Four local residents were recognized for their achievements in forestry during the Mississippi Forestry Association’s annual meeting Oct. 23-25 in Flowood.

Meridianite and tree farmer David Hall, of Halltree Inc., was named the 2024 MFA Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year for both his stewardship of his family’s farm and his contributions to local forestry associations. He is a member of the board for both Lauderdale and Clarke county forestry associations, a member of the executive committee for the Mississippi Forestry Association, a member of the board of the Forest Landowners Association and a trustee for the Forest Landowners Foundation.

“David is a great person to have in the Tree Farm program. He has a wonderful attitude and is so helpful,” said Stephen Dicke, the regional Tree Farm chairman who nominated Hall. “It seems like every year one of his Tree Farms has a required re-inspection. He never complains. This year, David volunteered his property to be third-party audited by NSF. His property helped Mississippi pass the audit of our state Tree Farm program.”

In addition to Hall, several local students were recognized for their involvement in forestry in the East Mississippi area.

John Clayton Kitchens, a high school senior, was named the recipient of the 2024 MFA Outstanding Youth Forestry Achievement Award. A Collinsville resident, Kitchens is a member of both the Lauderdale County Forestry Association and Lauderdale 4-H forestry judging team, as well as the state’s national 4-H judging team.

Kitchens is also the current Mississippi 4-H president.

Receiving second place in the 2024 MFA Outstanding Youth Forestry Achievement Award is Shubuta’s Tyler Hearn, who is currently a junior at Russell Christian Academy. Hearn participates in Clarke County 4-H in forestry, livestock and shooting sports, has received first place in multiple 4-H forestry judging competitions and was in the top 10 in forestry judging at the 2023 4-H Club Congress.

Hearn is a past president of the Clarke County Youth Forestry Association and is an active member of the Clarke County Forestry Association.

Josie Thompson, of Meridian, rounded out the winners with a third place finish in the 2024 MFA Outstanding Youth Forestry Achievement Award. A homeschooled junior, she previously competed in both state and national 4-H forestry judging competitions and has been awarded first place in the state 4-H forestry competition, as well as finished third in the 4-H National Forestry Invitational.