Two 2016 Crothersville High School graduates recently were recognized by the National FFA Organization.
Derrick Maxie and Madison Isenhower each received an American FFA Degree on Oct. 28 during the 90th National FFA Convention & Expo at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Each year, the National FFA Organization honors FFA members who show the utmost dedication to the organization through their desire to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education, according to a news release.
The degree is bestowed upon a select group of students in recognition of their years of academic and professional excellence. It’s the highest degree an FFA member can achieve. Less than 1 percent of FFA members advance through chapter and state FFA degrees to earn this national degree, said Dr. Steve A. Brown, national FFA adviser.
This year, 4,071 American FFA Degrees, including 102 from Indiana, were awarded. Maxie and Isenhower were the only two recipients from Jackson County.
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 start, own or hold a professional position in an existing agricultural enterprise. Recipients also must complete 50 hours of community service and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement.
Each recipient of the American FFA Degree receives a gold American FFA Degree key and a certificate after being recognized onstage at the national convention.
More than 65,000 people attended the national convention, which ran Oct. 25 to 28.
The National FFA Organization includes 653,359 student members who belong to one of 78,568 local FFA chapters throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization also is supported by 225,891 alumni members in 1,934 alumni chapters throughout the United States.