The Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies has announced sophomores Abigail Atkins, an Agribusiness Management and Biology Pre-med major from Columbia City, Indiana; Makayla Mobley, an Agricultural Education from North Manchester, Indiana; and Megan Schroeder, an Agribusiness Marketing and Animal Production major from Albion, Indiana, have received the American FFA Degree from the National FFA Organization.
The American FFA Degree is awarded to members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to FFA and made significant accomplishments in their supervised agricultural experiences. The American FFA Degree is awarded at the National FFA Convention & Expo each year to less than 1 percent of FFA members making it one of the organization’s highest honors. In addition to their degree, each recipient receives a gold American FFA Degree key. The top American FFA Degree recipients from each state may also be nominated for an American Star Award.
Some of requirements to earn the American FFA Degree include receiving the State FFA Degree; completing and maintaining records to substantiate an outstanding supervised agricultural experience program through which the member has exhibited comprehensive planning, managerial and financial expertise; possessing a record of outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement; and participating in at least 50 hours of community service from at least three different community service activities.
“I am very proud of these three young women, and happy that they have chosen to pursue their careers at Huntington University. They have obviously worked hard to earn the American FFA Degree. They will continue to distinguish themselves as outstanding students and citizens, as they give back to agriculture both presently and in the future. I continue to expect great things from them,” stated Dr. Raymond Porter, Director of the Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies.
The Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies opened in the fall of 2015 and promotes a Christian perspective on agriculture, which recognizes the responsibility to be good stewards of God’s creation and to examine questions of sustainability and justice. The institute is intended to help meet the growing need for agriculture professionals and offers eight concentrations in agribusiness as well as an agricultural education degree.