Every year during the National FFA Convention and Expo, the National FFA Organization recognizes top FFA chapters in the country in three award divisions: building communities, growing leaders, and strengthening agriculture. Chapters that receive three-star ratings during judging are eligible to compete for Premier Chapter Awards. This year, ten chapters competed for the honor.
The National Chapter Award program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters that actively implement the organization’s mission and strategies. 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.
This year’s 2022 Premier FFA Chapters are:
Building Communities: Lumberton FFA
Lumberton FFA of North Carolina was named the 2022 Premier Chapter: Building Communities during the fifth general session of the 95th National FFA Convention & Expo this year in Indianapolis.
Lumberton FFA of North Carolina used proceeds from a bake sale to make a positive difference for local foster families. Members organized two bake sales in the community and raised more than $3,000. The chapter used those funds to buy 16 bikes along with helmets and accessories, and donated them to foster families in the area with the help of the state Department of Social Services.
Growing Leaders: Cambridge FFA
The Cambridge FFA Chapter of Illinois was named the 2022 Premier Chapter: Growing Leaders during the fourth general session of the 95th National FFA Convention & Expo this year in Indianapolis.
Cambridge FFA of Illinois fostered personal growth through Podcast Punch Cards. Members of the growing leaders committee and the chapter reporter recorded five podcast episodes on personal growth. Then, chapter officers made and gave out punch cards to FFA members. By listening to a podcast episode, they earned one punch. Members’ completed punch cards were entered into a drawing to attend state convention at no cost.
Strengthening Agriculture: Ridgemont FFA
The Ridgemont FFA of Ohio was named the 2022 Premier Chapter: Strengthening Agriculture during the sixth general session of the 95th National FFA Convention & Expo this year in Indianapolis.
Ridgemont FFA of Ohio mixed Christmas and agriculture to help spark grade school students’ interest in FFA. The chapter created a Commodity Wall Map for students to look at, then members created and taught 42 different lessons about making Christmas gifts from agricultural commodities. They provided materials for students to make those gifts during a 30-minute class break.
John Deere sponsors the National Chapter Award program.
