Central Minnesota FFA Students Earn Top Honors at National Convention

(KNSI) – Students from across central Minnesota came home from Indianapolis with plenty to be proud of after the 99th National FFA Convention and Expo.

More than 1,000 Minnesota FFA members made the trip for the four-day event, which ran October 21st through 24th and drew more than 70,000 people from across the country. Several chapters from Stearns, Benton and Sherburne counties were among those bringing home national recognition.

FFA, which started as Future Farmers of America, is the largest student-led organization in the country, with more than 1 million members. Students learn about agriculture, food and natural resources through classroom work, hands-on projects and competitions.

Seven students from Stearns and Benton counties earned the American FFA Degree, the organization’s highest honor. Fewer than 1% of FFA members ever earn it. Eden Valley-Watkins led the area with three recipients, Henry Lemke, Mitchell Lipinski and Abby Niewind. They were joined by Bryce Frericks of Albany, Ayla Young of Holdingford, Chase Dahler of Foley and Morgan Westerhoff of Sauk Rapids-Rice. The degree recognizes years of work on hands-on agriculture projects, along with leadership and community service.

Rocori had one of the busiest weeks of any area school. The Cold Spring chapter was named a three-star chapter, the highest ranking possible in the National Chapter Award program. The honor goes to chapters that complete a full year of activities focused on personal growth, teamwork and community service. Rocori’s Agricultural Issues Forum team also earned a bronze rating, and its Parliamentary Procedure team earned silver.

Holdingford had a strong week too. Along with Young’s American Degree, the chapter’s Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems team earned a silver rating in national competition.

The Sauk Rapids-Rice, Eden Valley-Watkins and Princeton chapters were each recognized as two-star chapters for their year-round work in their schools and communities.

Statewide, Minnesota had a big showing. Cannon Falls student Cameron Addington was elected National FFA Secretary, one of only six national officer spots. Russell Tyler Ruthton’s Farm and Agribusiness Management team took first place in the nation, and 104 Minnesota students in all received the American FFA Degree.

The Minnesota FFA Association represents more than 16,000 students in 218 chapters across the state. Next year’s national convention will mark the organization’s 100th.

___