Marengo FFA Chapter recognized at national convention

Marengo FFA members were among more than 69,500 FFA members and supporters from across the country who celebrated agriculture and agricultural education during the 95th National FFA Convention and Expo. The event was held Oct. 26-29 in Indianapolis, Ind.

The 16 FFA members representing Iowa Valley were Brynnlee Cronbaugh, Willow Geoghagen, Claire Smolik, Alannah McKibben, Avary Helmrichs, Stella Sayers, Grace Ryan, Hannah Ryan, Kylie Loffer, Cade Osborn, Aidan Quinlan, Aiden Rabe, Sahara Kanke, Jordan Loffer, Ciomara Stubblefield and Kozim Hidoyatzod. They were accompanied by Marcia Kilgard, chapter adviser and agriculture education instructor.

Members participated in general convention sessions hosted at Lucas Oil Stadium, were inspired by their peers as they were recognized for their accomplishments, and heard from keynote speakers. Convention attendees also explored various career paths at the National FFA Expo, participated in career success tours and more.

FFA members and advisers took their skills to the next level in student and teacher workshops where they heard from industry leaders and motivational speakers.

The Marengo FFA was recognized at the National Chapter Award Session for earning a National TWO-STAR Chapter Award for the yearly program of activities offered at Iowa Valley High School. The awards were presented in Lucas Oil Stadium on Thursday, Oct. 27

In order to qualify for a national award, the chapter advanced from the state superior chapter program (where Marengo ranked in the top 22 in state) from the completion of at least 15 qualifying activities: one for each of the five quality standards in each of the three divisions. Chapter co-vice presidents Sahara Kanke and Aidan Quinlan accepted the award.

The American Degree was received by Marengo FFA alumni Paige Jergens and Nichole Gerard. This award 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 awards ceremony was held on Saturday, Oct. 29.

Obtaining this degree, shows an FFA member’s dedication to their chapter and state FFA association. It demonstrates the effort FFA members apply toward their supervised agricultural experience and the outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement they exhibited through their FFA career.

The National Convention gave the students the opportunity to learn about careers, service, and civic responsibility, noted Koenig. The industry of agriculture is strong, with more than 300 unique careers in agriculture. FFA members know there are many opportunities in this industry and through agricultural education, they are individually preparing for career success.

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 850,000 student members as part of 8,995 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.