Prairie View FFA receives recognition at national convention

Prairie View FFA advisors Melisa Bertz and Trenton Smedley are with former PVHS student Kyra Uphoff after she receives the American FFA Degree at the organization's convention in October. (Submitted photo)

Press release

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – 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.

The American FFA Degree is bestowed upon a select group of students in recognition of their years of academic and professional excellence. This year, approximately 4,800 American FFA Degrees were awarded.

Kyra Uphoff and Will Sherman, members of the Prairie View FFA chapter were awarded the American FFA Degree at the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo on Oct. 26, 2024.

To be eligible, FFA members must have earned at least $10,000 or earned at least $2,000 and worked at least 2,250 hours outside of class 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 abilities and civic involvement through the completion of a long list of FFA and community activities. Less than 1% of FFA members earn the American FFA Degree.

Melisa Bertz, Prairie View FFA advisor, received the Honorary American FFA Degree at the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Oct. 25th.

Melisa Bertz receives her honorary degree at the FFA convention. (Submitted photo)

The Honorary American FFA Degree is awarded to those who advance agricultural education and FFA through outstanding personal commitment. Without the efforts of highly dedicated individuals, thousands of young people would not be able to achieve the success that, in turn, contributes directly to the overall well-being of the nation.

The Honorary American FFA Degree is an opportunity to recognize those who have gone beyond valuable daily contributions to make an extraordinary long-term difference in the lives of students, inspiring confidence in a new generation of agriculturists. Members of the National FFA Organization’s board of directors approved the nomination.