There are many exciting things that happen at the National FFA Convention, and for chapters that in the running for major national awards, getting selected is among the highlights of their time Indianapolis.
The National Chapter Award program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. These chapters improve chapter operations using the National Quality FFA Chapter Standards and a Program of Activities that emphasizes growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership.
Here are the winners who have been announced for 2019 at the National FFA Convention and Expo! The chapters received a plaque in an onstage ceremony during the convention’s second general session on Thursday.
Covington-UVCC FFA of Ohio has been named the National Model of Excellence winner
Covington-UVCC FFA identified a need to decrease stress in their student body, promote production agriculture, and improve the future lives of students. The De-Stressalizer program offered four events — including tai chi and a movie night — throughout the school year that allowed students to unwind. The chapter’s Harvest Day included activities about harvesting and plant germination as well as kiddie tractor races. The chapter also highlighted former members during National FFA Week to showcase post-high school opportunities.
High school chapters that received high three-star ratings during judging in the summer are eligible to compete for the Model of Excellence award, the highest honor awarded to a high school FFA chapter by the National FFA Organization.
Edmond FFA of Oklahoma has been named the National Premier Chapter: Strengthening Agriculture winner
Edmond FFA recognized the growing popularity of podcasts and wanted to use the medium to share information about various agricultural topics. They then created “Ag in the Airwaves.” Members learned skills such as script composition and editing and produced four podcasts that were featured on the chapter’s website and social media pages. The podcasts had more than 412 reactions, and all 19 members in the agricultural communications class participated.
Chapters eligible to compete for the National Premier Chapter: Strengthening Agriculture award demonstrate competency in doing innovative things or taking traditional concepts and applying a creative twist in the building communities division of the chapter’s Program of Activities.
Troy FFA of Missouri has been named the National Premier Chapter: Building Communities winner
Troy FFA chose the #SIGNONESAVEMANY campaign to promote organ donor registration to its members and supporters, ultimately improving the welfare and physical well-being of the town’s citizens and beyond. Members used social media, videos and presentations to encourage enrollment in the program while educating on the importance of organ donations. The chapter signed up more than 1,000 people to the registry, potentially benefiting more than 100,000 people in the long term.
Chapters eligible to compete for the National Premier Chapter: Building Communities award demonstrate competency in doing innovative things or taking traditional concepts and applying a creative twist in the building communities division of the chapter’s Program of Activities.
Waterloo FFA of Illinois has been named the National Premier Chapter: Growing Leaders winner
Waterloo FFA members created a workout video that promoted the mental and physical well-being of students in kindergarten through third grade. Members determined the age-appropriate exercises and activities and filmed and edited the video. By creating “Fun Fitness in Ag,” members worked together to create a fun activity that influenced those involved.
Commerce Middle School FFA of Georgia has been named the National FFA Middle School Model of Excellence winner
Commerce Middle School FFA of Georgia, in its first year, focused on recruitment and involvement. The chapter hosted “Eat, Meet and Greet,” an event where parents and community members were invited to learn more about the program. The chapter provided leadership workshops for members, as well as developed a project to increase college and career readiness in relation to agriculture careers. Members also engaged with the community by making pillowcases for the women’s shelter and teaming with the Beta Club for a campus cleanup.
Middle school chapters that received high three-star ratings during judging in the summer are eligible to compete for the Middle School Model of Excellence award, the highest honor awarded to a middle school FFA chapter by the National FFA Organization.
