A team of five Hermiston High School students is headed to the 2016 FFA National Convention after winning first place in veterinary science at last month’s state contest in Ontario.

It is the first time Hermiston FFA has ever competed in the vet science event. The team consists of sophomores Gissep Marin and Hannah Walker; juniors Tanna Osmin and Sevana Patrick; and senior Dru Walchli.

Hermiston FFA also took third place in agricultural sales at the state competition, which was Dec. 5 at Treasure Valley Community College. That team featured junior Shasta Jundt, alongside seniors Claire Wilson, Jessica Smelser and chapter President Emily Vandehey.

The vet science team beat out more than 15 others from around the state to earn top honors. They will travel to Indianapolis Oct. 26-30 for the national convention and expo, which draws more than 64,000 people from across the country.

Despite winning in their very first year, Walchli said it wasn’t easy. Vet science is a grueling event that includes a written test, essays, 15-minute presentation and math applications. Students must also be ready to identify more than 500 animal species, of which they will be tested on 30.

“We knew it would be hard, but we had no idea just the sheer number of things we’d have to memorize,” Walchli said.

The team decided to take on the challenge in October, and practiced for two hours every day the week leading up to competition. As hard as they prepared, Walchli said they didn’t expect to win.

“I think we were all shaking for about 10 minutes after (the announcement),” she said with a laugh.

Things only get more difficult for nationals. Osmin said they will get back to practice soon, and are trying to get internships at a local vet clinic to stay on top of their game.

“We’re really involved,” she said.

The state agricultural sales team came in third out of 18 teams at Ontario. That’s an improvement over last year’s fifth-place finish.

Leah Smith, Hermiston FFA advisor, said she was pleased with their overall showing at state, which provides real-world, hands-on experience for the students.