Three Longview FFA chapter members were awarded the American Degrees last month at the 89th annual National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Haley Weeks, Callie Faul, and Cara Cummings were recognized for their outstanding achievements in agriculture business, production, processing or service programs.
John Denson, Longview High agriculture instructor, said the American FFA Degree is awarded to members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to FFA and made significant accomplishments in their supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs).
'It is the first time in a long time that we have had the American,' he said. 'I do not know when the last one was, but this year we had three.'
The American FFA Degree is awarded at the National FFA Convention & Expo each year to less than 1 percent of FFA members, making it one of the organization’s highest honors.
Eligible 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 agriculture enterprise.
Recipients must also complete 50 hours community service and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement.
A total of 3,780 degrees were awarded in 2016 to a select group pf students in recognition of academic and professional experience. Each recipient receives a gold American FFA Degree key, certificate and matted frame after being recognized onstage at the national convention.