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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.

At the 93rd National FFA Convention & Expo held virtually this week, Goshen FFA members Brock Davis, Joseph Jordan, Genelynn Lee and Regan Witherington were awarded the American FFA degrees, which are bestowed upon a select group of students in recognition of their years of academic and professional excellence.

Joseph Jordan and Regan Witherington are graduates of Pike County High School and Genelynn Lee and Brock Davis are graduates of Goshen High School.

Lee, Jordan and Witherington are also graduates of the Agri-Science Academy at Goshen High School.

Jamie Rich, Pike FFA advisor and Pike Agriscience Academy, teacher, said the American FFA degree is the highest degree that FFA awards, therefore, the most prestigious. All four graduates of Pike County schools are very deserving of the high recognition by the National FFA Organization.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the recognition ceremony was held virtually, not at the National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis.

Rich said not being there is a disappointment but it does not diminish what these students have accomplished.

“Joseph, Genelynn and Regan are in their second years in college and continuing their educations at agricultural institutions,” Rice said. “Brock is working with his family’s poultry farm, here in Pike County. We are very proud of their continuing success in agriculture related fields.

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 (SAE) program in which they own their own business or hold a professional position as an employee. Recipients must also complete 50 hours of community service and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement through completion of a long list of FFA and community activities.  Less than one 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 at the national convention.