Members of the Tyrone Area FFA were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments at the annual awards ceremony on April 11. The organization awarded various degrees to acknowledge their dedication and hard work over the past year. These achievements are based on their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE), community service contributions, and participation in activities.

For an FFA member, the Greenhand Degree would be the first stage. A member must develop an SAE project, enroll in an agricultural education program, and study the FFA’s mission, history, creed, and emblem to receive this degree.

The following 33 students received their Greenhand Degree at the 86th Tyrone Area FFA Awards Recognition Night:

Kayden Ansman, Ava Bickel, Aubrey Biter, Tessalea Brandle, Jeremey Brower, Chase Carothers, Hannah Cramer, Gabbreella Dean, Andrew Detwiler, Josephine Dicken, John Eaken, Cassidy Fleck, Braeleigh Flick, Riley Harpster, Quinton Hoover, Abigail Keyser, Kaylee Little, Abigayle Lucas, Jamis Maceno, Jana McCartney, Noah Parks, Tyler Ramsey, Lilly Reed, Clayton Riggleman, Kaitlyn Rockwell, Braylin Sible, Clark Tuskovich, Wyatt Walls, Issac Weaver, Katelynn Weaver, Saphira Williams, Taylor Wrye, and Grace Zimmerman.

The Star Greenhand Degrees went to 2 first-year members who have helped greatly on committees, community service events, chapter fundraisers, and encouraging others to try new things.

In Production Agriculture: John Eaken
In Non-Production Agriculture: Cassidy Fleck

“Getting my Greenhand Degree has helped me set a path for my future in FFA and has already allowed me to have many great experiences,” stated freshman Cassidy Fleck.

The Chapter Degree is the next step for an FFA member. Being in 10th grade or above, participating in chapter activities, performing community service, finishing the required number of hours of education, and meeting SAE standards are the requirements to achieve this goal.

The following 16 students completed the achievement of their Chapter Degrees: Austin Beamer, Caleb Biter, Aiden Detwiler, Janice Gilliland, Gracie Graham, Nevaeh Hollabaugh, Alyssa Houck, Paige Hoy, Madisen Jones, Carlie Nowlin, Reilly Rawlings, Catie Sklenar, Iceis Snyder, Sarah Weakland, Frances Weaver, and Bailey Woomer.

“It was an honor to receive this degree and have another pin to put on my jacket. I find myself busy in the chapter being a member, committee secretary, and SAE student advisor so it was nice to be recognized for this and all of the time and effort I have been putting into my Agriscience,” commented sophomore and Photography SAE advisor Sarah Weakland.

The Star Chapter Degrees went to 3 individuals who have shown dedication to their projects and focus on different aspects such as Entrepreneurship, Placement, and Agriscience Research.

Chapter Star Agriscience: Paige Hoy
Chapter Star Farmer: Alyssa Houck
Chapter Star Placement: Bailey Woomer

Members who have completed 11th grade or above and have demonstrated leadership in their chapter, involvement in state-level events, and community service are eligible to receive the State/Keystone Degree. Additionally, these members must have a predetermined amount of hours of SAE progress.

The 4 following students received their Keystone Degree at the Midwinter Convention in January at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center: Maverick Fleck, Angel Jimenez, Lilly Ray, and Remington Weaver.

“I felt proud receiving my very own jacket and Keystone degree, I am happy to be a part of the FFA organization,” said senior Angel Jimenez who also got the opportunity to receive his jacket at the 86th Awards Ceremony.

The American Degree is the final and most advanced degree that an FFA member can obtain. high school graduates who have excelled academically, shown leadership, participated in community service, and run successful SAE programs are awarded this degree.

The 4 following members will receive their American FFA Degree at the National FFA Convention in October of 2024: Abe Black, Kiara Rhodes, Emma Bartel, and Lyndsey Fleck.
The recipients shared their joy and gratitude for the recognition, highlighting the importance of FFA in shaping their futures and providing valuable experiences.