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 over 4,400 American Degrees were awarded at the National FFA Convention held in Indianapolis in early November.

Dr. Jeremy Falk, Ross Local School District Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor, took six FFA Officers to attend the weekend-long convention, along with 33 Ross and Butler Tech FFA members who attended for a day field trip on Thursday, in addition to five American Degree recipients who attended with their families for the awards ceremony on Saturday.

Students participated in workshops on leadership development, attended the career fair and FFA Mega Mall, and listened to keynote speakers during sessions for what summed up to be a memorable experience that will have impact in the lives and careers of all involved.

Ross High School celebrates five students receiving the award: Justin Baum, Aubrie Jordan, Luke Kiefer, Joey Payne, and Katie Zapf—the most applications the Ross chapter has submitted in 51 years, according to former program leader Mr. Korb.

Sponsored by Cargill, Case IH, Elanco Animal Health, and Syngenta, the award acknowledges achievements in agriculture. Eligibility for this degree requires earning $10,000 or $2,000 and 2,250 supervised agricultural experience hours, alongside leadership, community service, and civic involvement. Less than 1% of FFA members earn this accolade. Recipients are honored with a gold key and certificate at the national convention.

The National FFA Organization includes 945,000 students across 50 states and territories. Ross Local Schools' FFA program, led by Dr. Jeremy Falk, fosters proud accomplishments in these students as they embody Ross Rams values.

Congratulations to all of these students and their families, and job well done to the RLSD staff who make these opportunities possible.

Learn more about the FFA and American Degree on their website linked here.