Local FFA members are honored
Kristen Oliver, left, Brandon Stephen, Justin Scott, Nick Phillips, Riley Bardall and Ashley Smitley.
Each year the National FFA Organization honors FFA members who show dedication to the organization through their desire to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
The American FFA Degree is bestowed upon a select group of students in recognition of their years of academic and professional excellence. This year 4,353 American Degrees were presented. Six former Indian Valley students and FFA members were awarded the American FFA Degree at the 92nd National FFA Convention & Expo on Oct. 30 through Nov. 2 in Indianapolis.
Members receiving their American Degree this year were Riley Bardall, son of Leslie and Jay Bardall of Freeport; Kristen Oliver, daughter of Frances and Timothy Oliver of New Philadelphia; Nick Phillips, son of Kim and Leroy Phillips of Uhrichsville; Justin Scott, son of Sommer and Tim Scott of Port Washington; Ashley Smitley, daughter of Michelle and Dan Smitley of New Philadelphia; and Brandon Stephen, son of Rhonda and Chad Stephen of Newcomerstown.
David Stiles serves as advisor to the Indian Valley FFA.
Sponsored by Case IH, Elanco Animal Health and Syngenta, the award recognizes demonstrated ability and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing or service programs.
To be eligible, FFA members must have earned and productively invested $10,000 through a supervised agricultural experience program in which they own their own business or hold a professional position as an employee. Recipients also must complete 50 hours community service and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement through completion of a long list of FFA and community activities. Less than 1 percent of FFA members achieve the American FFA Degree.
Each recipient of the American FFA Degree receives a gold American FFA Degree key and certificate after being recognized on stage at the national convention.
The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to more than 700,000 student members who belong to one of the more than 8,600 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization also is supported by more than 8 million alumni and supporters throughout the U.S.