A Hamilton Southeastern High School student has earned national recognition at the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis.

Ellie Julia Taylor, a member of the Hamilton Southeastern FFA chapter, was named the national winner in the Agricultural Communications – Entrepreneurship/Placement category of the 2025 National FFA Agricultural Proficiency Awards. The honor was announced during the convention’s second general session on Thursday, Oct. 30.

The National FFA Agricultural Proficiency Awards recognize student members who develop specialized skills through their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), preparing them for agricultural careers. Students compete in 45 award areas ranging from agricultural communications to wildlife management.

Taylor received the top national honor in her category for her work managing her FFA chapter’s social media accounts, website and print materials. Through this role, she has built communication and marketing skills she plans to apply in a career in agricultural communications.

She was supported in her work by her parents, Bill and Tabetha Taylor, and Hamilton Southeastern FFA advisors Caroline Mills, Tom Younts and Cindy Nunez.

Seven proficiency award winners were named during Thursday’s session, with additional winners announced throughout the convention. The National FFA Convention, one of the largest student gatherings in the nation, continues this week in Indianapolis.