INDIANAPOLIS — Each year, the National FFA Organization honors FFA members who show the utmost dedication to the organization through their desire to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

The American FFA Degree is bestowed upon a select group of students in recognition of their years of academic and professional excellence. This year over 4,800 American Degrees were awarded.

Bryce Grossen, a member of the Monroe FFA chapter, was awarded the American FFA Degree at the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo on Oct. 26.

Albany FFA American Degree recipients include Rhylie Gough, Linsey Mueller and Ashley Letcher. They are the first Albany recipients to receive their American degree since Jillian Malkow 14 years ago.

Sponsored by Cargill, Case IH, John Deere, and Syngenta, the award recognizes demonstrated ability and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing, or service programs.

To be eligible, FFA members must have earned at least $10,000 or earned at least $2,000 and worked at least 2,250 hours outside of class time through a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program in which they own their own business, hold a professional position as an employee, or conduct research. Recipients must also complete 50 hours of community service and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement through the completion of a long list of FFA and community activities. Less than one percent of FFA members achieve the American FFA Degree.

After being recognized at the national convention, each recipient of the American FFA Degree receives a gold American FFA Degree key and certificate.

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,027,200 student members as part of 9,235 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.