Local FFA Member Awarded National American FFA Degree – Austin Daily Herald

Each year, the National FFA Organization recognizes FFA members who demonstrate the greatest dedication to the organization through their desire to develop their potential for superior leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

The American FFA degree is awarded to a select group of students in recognition of their years of academic and professional success. More than 4,800 American degrees were awarded this year.

Alexis Steckelberg, a member of the Blooming Prairie FFA Chapter, was awarded the American FFA Degree at the 97th National FFA Conference and Expo on October 26, 2024.

Sponsored by Cargill, Case IH, John Deere and Syngenta, this award recognizes demonstrated ability and outstanding achievement in agricultural business, manufacturing, processing or service programs.

To be eligible, FFA members must earn at least $10,000 or earn at least $2,000 and work at least 2,250 hours. outside of class time through a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program in which they own their own business, hold a professional position as an employee, or conduct research. Recipients must also complete 50 hours of community service and demonstrate outstanding leadership and civic engagement by completing a long list of FFA and community service activities. Less than one percent of FFA members earn an American FFA degree.

Once recognized at the national convention, each American FFA Degree recipient receives a Gold Key and an American FFA Degree Certificate.

The National FFA Organization is a national school youth leadership development organization with more than 1,027,200 students affiliated with 9,235 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.