By Madison Redding
Congratulations are in top order for 16 FFA Members who received their Chapter FFA Degree on Feb 18.
As a FFA member there is a possibility to receive four distinctive degrees. The Greenhand, Chapter, State and American Farmer degree. The chapter degree is the highest award the local area can bestow to a member and it is the highest degree a member can earn during two years of an Agriculture Education class. Many accomplishments of leadership development, public speaking, and project management were required to earn this degree. This event is very important to the agriculture program and to the FFA members and we are proud of your accomplishments! We had about 60 people attended the awards banquet to honor the members achievements.
Each year, FFA chapters around the country celebrate National FFA Week. The week-long tradition began in 1947 when the National FFA Board of Directors designated the week of George Washington's birthday as National FFA Week in recognition of his legacy as an agriculturist and farmer. The first National FFA Week was held in 1948. Today, FFA Week always runs Saturday to Saturday and encompasses Feb. 22, Washington's birthday.
During this week the Lucerne Valley FFA is very busy, having all kinds of fun. The officers have spirt days for the members. Such as crazy socks day, color day and FFA apparel. Also during the week each class will go and compete in competitions to see who the best is. These winners will be the representatives on Friday for the main event. The events are log skis, pepper eating, 7-legged race, egg toss, hay and straw stacking, tug-o-war and A-frame. For the A-Frame competition, 6 people have to walk the A-Frame with one person on the frame. Whoever does it the fastest wins. Log ski is when 6 people have to walk the ski in unison to a line and back. The fastest time wins. For Hay stacking boys get 5 bales of hay and girls get 4 bales of straw.
The State FFA Degree is awarded to FFA members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to the California State FFA Association and made significant accomplishments in their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs). Approximately 1,800 State FFA Degrees are handed out each year. That number represents approximately 3 percent of the California FFA association membership, making it the State's highest honor. In addition to their degree, each recipient receives a gold State FFA Degree charm. The top State FFA Degree recipients may also apply for a Star Award.
On March 19, four students will be receiving their State Degree. The students receiving their State Degree are Destynie Urrutia, Meagan Evans, Georgette Moreno and Madison Redding.
Madison Redding is Chapter Reporter for the Lucerne Valley FFA, which is sponsored by the LVHS Agriculture Department.