Hillsboro FFA Chapter congratulates two American Degree Recipients
By Cheyanne Miller
Hillsboro FFA Chapter President
On Nov. 2, Jordan Elmore and Kristy Hopkins, graduates of Hillsboro High School and former members of the Hillsboro FFA Chapter, received the American FFA Degree.
The degree ceremony took place at the 86th National FFA Convention and Expo. The American FFA Degree is awarded to FFA members who demonstrate the highest level of commitment to the FFA and have had significant success in their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs).
Less than half of one percent of all FFA members receive this award. Both Jordan and Kristy had to meet the following qualifications:
Have received a Greenhand FFA Degree, Chapter FFA Degree, and State FFA Degree.
Have been FFA members for at least three years.
Have completed at least three years (540 hours) of high school agriculture classes, or 2 years of high school agriculture classes and one year of college agriculture classes (360 hours).
Have graduated from high school one year prior to the National FFA Convention at which their degree will be awarded.
Have maintained detailed SAE records, which demonstrate outstanding planning, managerial and financial skills.
Have earned and productively invested at least $7,500, or have earned and productively invested at least $1,500 and worked 2,250 hours beyond scheduled school hours through their SAEs.
Have a record of outstanding leadership skills.
Have a record of participating in community service activities.
Have maintained a "C" grade average or better.
Receiving this degree is an honor. Jordan's SAEs included Equine Management, home improvement, and community service projects. Kristy's SAEs included Sheep Production, home improvement, and community service projects.
Both Jordan and Kristy, held leadership roles on the Hillsboro FFA officer team and worked hard to make the chapter successful. Their hard work and dedication helped them to achieve the highest honor that an FFA member can receive, the American FFA Degree.