Madill FFA members awarded American FFA Degree

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 4,136 American Degrees will be awarded.

Abbie Alexander, Rio Bonham and Will Shelby, all members of the Madill FFA chapter in Oklahoma, were awarded the American FFA Degree at the 93rd National FFA Convention & Expo Oct. 27-29, held virtually.

Sponsored by Case IH, Elanco Animal Health 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 and productively invested $10,000 through a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program in which they own their own business or hold a professional position as an employee. Recipients must also complete 50 hours community service and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement through completion of a long list of FFA and community activities. Less than one percent of FFA members achieve the American FFA Degree.

Each recipient of the American FFA Degree receives a gold American FFA Degree key and certificate after being recognized at the national convention.

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 760,000 student members as part of 8,700 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Abbie Alexander

During high school, Abbie served as Reporter of the Madill FFA Chapter. She participated in a variety of FFA activities including a beef Supervised Agricultural Experience or SAE, public speaking, and the Parliamentary Procedure Career Development Event.

Abbie is pursuing an Associates degree in Elementary Education at Murray State College and currently working in early childhood development for Durant Public Schools.

Abbie is a 2018 graduate of Madill High School and the daughter of Darren and Gena Alexander.

Rio Bonham

During his high school career, Rio served as FFA Vice President and President (2 years) of the Madill Chapter. He participated in extensive FFA activities including beef management (Regional Star Farmer), public speaking (numerous top five in state placings including second in Creed), and environment and natural resources for which he won top individual honors in the state in 2018.

Rio continues to serve FFA as a Small Group Leader for Alumni Camp each year. He has served on the FFA State Officer Selection Committee and is currently representing Oklahoma as an FFA National Delegate.

Rio is pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Biosystems and Agriculture Engineering at Oklahoma State University where he serves as Student Government Senator for the Ferguson College of Agriculture, is a member of the FarmHouse Fraternity, has been selected as a Cambridge Scholar, and works with professors to conduct undergraduate research.

Rio is a 2019 graduate of Madill High School and the son of Mark and Dana Bonham.

Will Shelby

Will was only the 2 ^nd Oklahoman to be named the American Star in Agricultural Placement by the National FFA Organization on Wednesday, October 28 ^th during the 93 ^rd National FFA Convention & Expo, held virtually this year.

During high school, Will served as Madill FFA Vice President and President for two years. He participated extensively in FFA activities including public speaking, livestock judging, and the parliamentary procedure CDE. Will managed an exceptional SAE including beef, sheep, swine and veterinary science components. As a result, Will earned Oklahoma FFA State Star in Agriculture Placement honors in 2017.

Will’s SAE has been the foundation for his future plans. He will graduate in May from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Animal Science and has applied to Veterinary Medicine school at both OSU and Texas A&M. He has also participated on the Connor’s State College Livestock Evaluation Team, where he was named All American in 2019 and is currently a member of the OSU Livestock Evaluation Team.

Will is a 2017 graduate of Madill High School and the son of Troy and Merrily Shelby.

About National FFA Organization The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 760,000 student members as part of 8,700 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook and Twitter.