Michela Walker from the Decatur FFA in Washington shared her talents performing The Climb…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

AJ Windmeyer from the Plattsburg, Missouri FFA performed the Orange Blossom Special on Harmonica for FFA members at the Second General Session of the 88th National FFA Convention and Expo

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Josie Jakel from the Abbortsford, Wisconsin FFA Chapter performed Counting Stars…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Growing up in a family of agricultural education teachers, Gatlin Cy Squires was always aware of FFA and the agricultural way of life. Squires always thought FFA was about livestock exhibitions, public speaking and livestock judging.

However, this all changed for the Kingfisher, Okla., resident when he had a required science fair project in seventh grade. Squires enjoyed his science project, and when he joined FFA he found out about the National FFA Agriscience Fair. Here was an opportunity for him to merge his love of agriculture and science.

Today, that love of science has resulted in Squires being named a 2015 finalist for the American Star in Agriscience award, one of the most prestigious honors awarded to a student by the National FFA Organization.

For as long as he can remember, Squires has been involved with the production of swine and beef cattle. After several years of this being his supervised agricultural experience, he made a transition to gathering information for the agriscience fair. He then began to fuse his research with his swine operations. The 20 year old discovered that hydrogen peroxide mixed with aloe vera extract assisted with cleaning the skin as well as improving the skin and hair health of the animals. This mix saved the owner time and money. He also discovered a solution that helps water retention in the muscles of swine animals.

Squires says his experience through agriscience research has helped him develop countless skills. While he enjoys scientific research, he has a greater passion for advocating for agriculture as a whole. As a result, he is currently attending Oklahoma State where he is studying agribusiness with a pre law option.

Each year at the National FFA Convention & Expo, four FFA members are honored with an American Star Award for outstanding accomplishments in FFA and agricultural education.

The American Star Awards, including the American Star Farmer, American Star in Agribusiness, American Star in Agricultural Placement and American Star in Agriscience, are awarded to FFA members who demonstrate outstanding agricultural skills and competencies through completion of a supervised agricultural experience program. A required activity in FFA, an SAE allows students to learn by doing by either owning and operating an agricultural business, working or serving an internship at an agriculture-based business or conducting an agriculture-based scientific experiment and reporting results.

Other requirements to achieve the award include demonstrating top management skills; completing key agricultural education, scholastic and leadership requirements; and earning an American FFA Degree, the organization’s highest level of student accomplishment.

Sixteen American Star Award finalists from throughout the U.S. are nominated by a panel of judges to interview during the national convention and expo. Four are named winners and receive cash awards totaling $4,000. All American Star finalists receive a $2,000 cash award. The American Star Awards are sponsored by ADM Crop Risk Services, Case IH, Elanco, Farm Credit and Syngenta as a special project of the National FFA Foundation.

Squires is the son of Mark and Jona Squires. He is a member of the Kingfisher FFA Chapter, led by advisors Ryan Burns and Lori Burns.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Thursday, Oct. 29, 2015/National FFA Organization) – The top winners of the National Chapter Awards were announced at the 88th National FFA Convention & Expo in Louisville, Ky.

The winner of the National Outstanding Middle School Chapter Award is West Jackson Middle FFA Chapter in Georgia. The nation’s top five three-star chapters in the division competed for the award.

West Jackson Middle FFA sells custom wreaths as a fundraiser, so hosting a wreath-making class seemed like a natural fit for their Program of Activities. FFA members not only learned how to make wreaths but also learned how to critique work and give constructive criticism. They also teach community members how to make the wreaths.

Video Recap

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Thursday, Oct. 29, 2015/National FFA Organization) – The top winners of the National Chapter Awards were announced at the 88th National FFA Convention & Expo in Louisville, Ky.

The National Model of Innovation Chapter Award winner in student development is the Troy FFA Chapter in Missouri.

Troy FFA wanted to expose members to local career opportunities available in agriculture. The Troy Agri-Business Leadership Experience (TABLE) allowed 32 FFA members to tour nine international agribusinesses within the St. Louis Metropolitan Area, where students were educated on the eight agricultural career pathways.

VIDEO RECAP

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Thursday, Oct. 29, 2015/National FFA Organization) – The top winners of the National Chapter Awards were announced at the 88th National FFA Convention & Expo in Louisville, Ky.

The Firelands FFA Chapter in Ohio is the winner of the National Model of Innovation Chapter Award in community development.

Firelands FFA crocheted winter items for community members in need. After hosting and participating in five crocheting workshops, 51 students crocheted a total of 71 blankets, hats, headbands and scarves that were donated to three families during the holidays as well as chapter sponsors. Crocheting for a Cause allowed members to creatively express themselves while helping those in need during the cold winter season.

VIDEO RECAP

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Thursday, Oct. 29, 2015/National FFA Organization) – The top winners of the National Chapter Awards were announced at the 88th National FFA Convention & Expo in Louisville, Ky.

The nation’s top 10 three-star chapters in the divisions of chapter, community and student competed for the Model of Innovation awards. The National Model of Innovation Chapter Award winner in chapter development is Burlington FFA Chapter in Oklahoma.

Burlington FFA created a documentary about the life of FFA Creed author E.M. Tiffany. They decided they wanted to launch a media campaign to bring attention to the chapters’ document. The chapter was able to conduct two television interviews and one radio interview. In fact, reporters from four different publications traveled to Burlington to interview FFA members, and four articles about E.M. Tiffany were published.

VIDEO RECAP

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Thursday, Oct. 29, 2015/National FFA Organization) – The top winners of the National Chapter Awards were announced at the 88th National FFA Convention & Expo in Louisville, Ky.

All chapters that receive national three-star ratings are eligible to compete for the national Model of Excellence award. The winner of the National Model of Excellence Chapter is the Marshall FFA Chapter in Missouri.

Marshall FFA developed an attitude of gratitude through their Operation Beautiful activities. Sending more than 200 thank you cards, notes and posters was key for the chapter to make sure that members, teachers and program advocates knew how thankful the chapter was for them. Positive character traits were reinforced and recognized when chapter members conducted 65 random acts of kindness and posted positive notes around the middle and high school building. They were able to promoted and improve the mental well-being and self-esteem of members.

VIDEO RECAP

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Central Region Vice President Kristen Schmidt shared her retiring address with FFA members,  Take A Seat…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download