By Scout Nelson
The recent National FFA Convention in Indianapolis was a moment of pride for Minnesota's FFA chapters, with members receiving significant awards and creating lasting memories. Minnesota FFA, known for its strong representation, had over 1,000 students, parents, advisors, teachers, and supporters attending the event. They participated in competitions, career explorations, and leadership development events.
Daniel Jossund from the Ada-Borup-West FFA Chapter was awarded the prestigious American Star Farmer award. In total, 96 Minnesota FFA members were recognized with the American FFA Degree, reflecting their commitment to educational, financial, leadership, and service-learning requirements.
Minnesota FFA chapters also achieved historic recognition. Sleepy Eye was among the top 10 high school chapters recognized as a model of excellence, and Rockford Middle School was in the top five middle school models of excellence. This level of success is unprecedented in nearly two decades of Minnesota's agricultural education.
Minnesota chapters have received star ratings ranging from one to three, with three-star ones eligible for the Model of Excellence awards. The list includes various Minnesota cities, including Academy for Sciences and Agriculture, Chatfield, Cleveland, Crookston, Eden Valley-Watkins, Forest Lake, Goodhue, Hancock, Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted, Mankato, Martin County West.
Kyle Thomas of the Rockford FFA was a final candidate for a national officer position, reaching the final 21 but not making the final slate of six.
Looking ahead, Lavyne Rada, Minnesota FFA executive director, is optimistic about the organization's growth. With the addition of five new FFA chapters and around 20 new teaching positions, hundreds more students now have access to agriculture education and FFA. The final membership tally in April is expected to show about 16,000 members, with potential for further growth.
Rada aims to eliminate barriers to FFA membership for all agricultural students, aiming for access at no cost by the National FFA Organization's 100th anniversary, emphasizing career exploration, leadership development, and service learning in agricultural education.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-seb_ra
Categories: Minnesota, Business, Education