Local FFA members earn national degrees

Nine members of the Northwest Technical School chapter of the FFA were given the American FFA degree during a ceremony in Indiana.

They are Spencer Barr, Dexter Barmann, Cole Dougan, Jordan Hall, Andrea Miller, Robert Redford, Bryce Schmidt, Donnie Slagle and Kristen Thacker.

The national FFA organization recognizes students annually. Those that are honored show the utmost dedication to the organization through their desire to develop their potential for leadership, personal growth and career success.

Nine members of the NTS chapter were given the honor for years of academic and professional success. This was the 85th national FFA convention, generally known as the largest student gathering in the country.

The degree 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 $7,500 through a supervised agricultural experience program. These programs are started by the students themselves and are completed in conjunction with at least 50 hours of community service.

Each recipient of the honor received a gold American FFA degree key plus a certificate.

The FFA serves more than 500,000 students in 7,000 chapters throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.