Elizabeth Meyer of the Marion/Florence FFA Chapter received an American FFA Degree at the 90th National FFA Convention Oct. 28 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The American FFA degree is awarded to members who have achieved a high level of success in their supervised agricultural experience and exemplify a high-commitment level to FFA. It is the highest degree an FFA member can earn, one that less than one-half of one percent of FFA members achieve. Only seven members of the Marion/Florence FFA Chapter have ever received it.

In order to receive the American FFA degree, a member must have already received the state FFA degree, completed at least three years of agriculture education and one year of education beyond high school, earned and productively invested $10,000 in a supervised agriculture experience, maintained at least a “C” average in high school classes, and participated in a minimum of 50 hours of community service within at least three different groups or activities.

High school members of the Marion/Florence FFA Chapter also attended the convention. Over 65,000 students, parents, and advisors attended.

The theme for this year’s convention was “I Can, We Will.” Members watched as awards were presented to national winners, listened to retiring addresses from the national FFA officers, and heard key-note addresses from Laila Ali and John Petz. Members were also able to view exhibits and visit with potential employers and colleges at the FFA Exposition which featured more than 300 exhibitors.

Marion/Florence members toured the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the National FFA Center while in Indianapolis.

Those attending were Carley Stapleford, Zane Slater, Peyton Ensey, Shelby Cairns, Rope Uhl, Lane Watkins, and Tabor Workman. Mark Meyer and Jodi Watkins served as sponsors for the trip.