BY DAN HILDEBRAN
Monitor Editor
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS— The senior and junior FFA chapters at Keystone Heights Junior-Senior High School received the National Chapter Award and the Premier Chapter Award during the Florida FFA Convention in Orlando.
The 94th annual gathering was held at Orlando’s Caribe Royale from June 12 through June 17. Five thousand students, advisors, administrators, alumni, parents and industry partners attended the convention.
According to a Florida FFA news release, the Premier Chapter Award recognizes superior achievement by chapters in agricultural education and the FFA.
“To be eligible for this award, a chapter must be proficient in several areas, including alumni and community partnerships, financial planning and public relations, along with recruitment and other FFA activities,” the organization said.
Other northeast Florida chapters earning the award were Baker County, Bradford, Lake Asbury Middle, Middleburg and Santa Fe.
The National Chapter Award was given to chapters that have excelled in the areas of growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture and have worked hard to fulfill the mission and vision of the FFA.
In addition to the chapter awards, students Jenna Baker, Jade Budny, Mallory Hollingsworth, Olivia Horne, Isabel Johns, and Jenna Moss received their State FFA Degrees. The State FFA Degree is the highest honor bestowed upon any regular member of the Florida FFA Association.
Also recognized in Orlando were Blake Kendrick for the Agriculture Mechanics Design and Fabrication Proficiency Award and Tyler Shaw for the Agriculture Mechanics Repair and Maintenance Proficiency Award.
Parker Lewis received her American FFA Degree. The American FFA Degree is the highest honor conferred upon any regular member of the National FFA Organization.
