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. A local resident was one of the most recent honorees.
Ellen Collins, a member of the Braxton County FFA chapter in Sutton, was awarded the American FFA Degree at the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo held in November of last year.
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.
Sponsored by Cargill, Case IH, Elanco Animal Health, and Syngenta, the award recognizes demonstrated ability and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing, or service programs.
To be eligible, FFA members must have earned at least $10,000 or earned at least $2,000 and worked at least 2,250 hrs. outside of class time through a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program in which they own their own business, hold a professional position as an employee, or conduct research. Recipients must also complete 50 hours of community service and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement through completion of a long list of FFA and community activities. Less than one percent of FFA members achieve the American FFA Degree.
Each recipient of the American FFA Degree receives a gold American FFA Degree key and certificate after being recognized at the national convention.
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 945,000 student members as part of 9,163 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
Ellen is the daughter of Roger and Christy Collins of Flatwoods and was the BCHS Class of 2022 Valedictorian. She will graduate from WVU in May of 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in animal nutrition and science.
