Minerva FFA graduates earn American Farmer Degrees

Three 2024 graduates of Minerva High School received the coveted American Farmer Degree at the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo held Oct. 29–Nov. 1 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 

The recipients were Averie Thomas, Leeann Walker and Payton Walker.

Thomas’ Supervised Agricultural Experience project was a placement project working for Minerva Dairy and Arrowhead Orchard. Leeann Walker’s SAE project involved placement work for Kiko and Lowmiller Farms, while Payton Walker’s project focused on placement work for Kiko Farms.

According to Kyle Lucas, Minerva High School FFA advisor, the American FFA Degree is the highest honor a member of the National FFA Organization can achieve, representing years of dedication, leadership, and success in agricultural education. Only a small percentage of FFA members nationwide earn this prestigious degree each year, making it a true mark of excellence. 

To qualify, members must have first earned their State FFA Degree and maintained active FFA membership for at least three years. They must also demonstrate significant accomplishments through their Supervised Agricultural Experience program — earning or productively investing at least $10,000 or working 2,250 hours outside of class time. 

Academically, candidates must have completed at least 50 hours of community service and achieved a record of outstanding leadership and involvement in FFA activities at the local, state and national levels. 

“The American FFA Degree symbolizes the culmination of hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to agriculture and leadership. Those who earn it join an elite group of FFA members recognized for going above and beyond to advance their agricultural knowledge and serve their communities,” Lucas said. 

Minerva FFA chapter members attending the convention included Rachel Weaver, Natalie Essick, Hazel Hahn, Haven Stauffer, Bailey Hilliard, Kylie Hannen, Ava Whiteleather, Maryssa Genet, Enoch Brodzenski, Wyatt Stauffer, Ethan Weaver, Grant Linkous, Lance Thompson and Caley Grimes.