Members of the Edwards County FFA were honored during the 98th Annual Illinois State FFA Convention held June 9-11 in Springfield, where more than 5,000 members, advisors, and guests gathered from across the state.
Several Edwards County FFA members were recognized for outstanding achievements. Cali Bunting, Jacob “JW” Simms-Reisner, Jake Wiseman, and Gabe Wyatt earned the American FFA Degree, the highest degree awarded by the National FFA Organization. The degrees will be officially conferred at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis this October.
Cody Greathouse received the Illinois State FFA Degree, the highest honor available to FFA members in Illinois. Fewer than two percent of Illinois FFA members earn the prestigious recognition.
The chapter was also named a section winner in the Building Communities National Chapter Award program, recognizing efforts to strengthen community partnerships and improve local communities.
Carlin St. Ledger was recognized as one of the state’s Top Ten Chapter Reporters for excellence in communicating chapter activities and achievements.
Edwards County FFA was also honored as a One Star Foundation Sponsor for contributing at least $1,000 to the Illinois Foundation FFA during its annual fundraising campaign.
In addition, Chase Shelton was named the Illinois State FFA Proficiency Winner in Forage Production for his supervised agricultural experience involving forage crop production on his family’s farm.
Parker Biggs and Chase Shelton were also recognized among the top four participants in the Individual Sales Activity portion of the State Agricultural Sales Career Development Event.
The Edwards County FFA chapter is advised by Steven Clodfelter and Michelle Wiseman.