West Holmes FFA members experience National Convention and celebrate 11 American Degree honorees

Students tour ag industries, attend leadership sessions and cheer on top award recipients in Indianapolis

Members of the West Holmes FFA after visiting the Exotic Cat Rescue in Indianapolis. Pictured are Bri Poventud, front left, Landrie Croskey, Cassidy Holasek, Claire Drzazga, Jenna Zimmerly, Madison Ringwalt, Rowan Holasek, Emma McDonnell; back row, Reece Anderson, Blake Patterson, Logan Van Dalen and Shane Lorentz.

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Courtney Crider Courtney Crider West Holmes FFA reporter

Published December 3, 2025 - 5:00 a.m.

The West Holmes High School FFA chapter traveled to the 97th annual National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana Oct. 29 through Nov. 1.

A dozen West Holmes FFA members attended the convention. The 12 members who attended the National Convention included Claire Drzazga, Reece Anderson, Rowan Holasek, Cassidy Holasek, Shane Lorentz, Emma McDonnell, Landrie Croskey, Bri Poventud, Jenna Zimmerly, Madison Ringwalt, Logan Van Dalen and Blake Patterson.

On Wednesday, Oct. 29, the chapter departed from the school and had lunch on the way provided by Exclusively Yours Catering. They got to tour Beck's Hybrids, where the members got to see how they manage crops and create the seeds they were going to sell. They ended the night by visiting an Exotic Cat Rescue and having dinner at Bubba’s 33.

On Thursday, Oct. 30, members attended the first session and heard keynote speaker A’rick Jackson, who talked about getting out your box and forgiving yourself. Later, members were able to shop and visit the trade show. For lunch they had Weber Grill. After lunch members attended the trade show and went to the next session, where they watched all the National Finalist Proficiencies walk across the stage including member Ella Saal from Northwestern.

West Holmes FFA adviser Jaime Chenevey, left, is pictured with Janessa Hill of the Ohio State University Extension Holmes County, who was awarded with an Honorary American Degree at the national convention, along with Kayla Jones, organization director with the Ohio Farm Bureau serving Holmes, Coshocton, Knox and Licking counties.

On Friday, Oct. 31, members attended their third session, where they watched Janessa Hill and Heather Tegtmeier receive their Honorary American Degree. After the session members toured Purdue University, their agricultural campus. Members ate lunch at Purdue University. The members ended their night at Dave & Busters.

On Saturday, Nov. 1, the members watched 11 West Holmes FFA members receive their American Degree. The members receiving their degree were Maison Carter, Laina Croskey, Maren Drzazga, John Maloney, Derek Miller, Wyatt Myers, Torrie Savage, Taelor Patterson, Bree Pringle, Wyatt Schlauch and Tyler Zimmerly.

Pictured are West Holmes FFA graduates after receiving their American FFA Degree at the national convention. Members include Derek Miller, back left, John Maloney, Wyatt Schlauch, Tyler Zimmerly; front row, Maren Drzazga, Taelor Patterson, Torrie Savage, Bree Pringle and Laina Croskey.

The American Degree is the most prestigious award given to anyone in FFA. It is a very challenging degree to achieve, but its rewards are worth it. In order to get this degree, applicants must have obtained the Greenhand Degree, Chapter Degree and State Degree. They also must have been involved in FFA for at least three years, must have graduated at least one year prior to the national convention, must have invested a total of $7,500, must have good leadership skill, must have been involved in a large number of community service activities, and must have maintained a “C” or higher.

They represent 1% of the FFA membership. Congratulations to all members who received their American Degrees. After the session the chapter went on their safe journey home.