Yaw earns FFA degree at National Convention

Imperial FFA member Jecca Yaw received her American FFA Degree at the 98th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis October 28-Nov 1. The American Degree is the highest degree that can be earned on the National level.  Students must meet a number of requirements for the degree including earning at least $10,000 through the Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program, and investing at least $7500. Students must also have previously earned the State FFA Degree and completed 50 hours or more of community service. They must have a working knowledge of FFA and be in good standing with the local chapter. Students have to be one year out of high school before completing the degree.  In FFA, an individual can be a member until they are 21 years of age.
Jecca’s SAE was focused on raising beef cattle.  Students in FFA are required to have and SAE program once they enter the organization in high school. SAE’s must take place outside of normal classroom time. Student are required to keep thorough financial records as well as documentation of FFA activities. Their records and application are submitted to evaluation at both state and national level before being approved to receive the degree.
The Imperial FFA sent eight other chapter members to the 98th National Convention in Indianapolis, IN, Oct. 28-Nov 1. The group included Tessa Smith, Navy Havel, Conner Stromberger, Dominic Harris Aidan Vlasin, Alayna Smith, Violet Sparrow and Luke Kuenning. Sponsors were Randy Vlasin and Preston Smith.
While at the convention, FFA members attended convention sessions, watched National FFA teams compete, visited the National FFA Career Expo which included exhibitors from over 200 agricultural companies and 80 different colleges.  The Imperial group toured the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the Indiana Zoo while at the convention.