TMP-M

On March 31, the TMP-Marian Future Farmers of America Chapter hosted its first annual Banquet and Awards Night.  Seventeen students received either their Greenhand or Chapter FFA Degrees.

FFA members enrolled in their first year of a high school credit in agricultural science, that have satisfactory plans for a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Program and that have demonstrated their understanding of the history and purpose of the FFA may apply for their Greenhand Degree.  The Chapter Degree is the highest degree a chapter can bestow on its members.

It is usually awarded during the second or third year of membership.  Requirements include having the Greenhand FFA Degree, two semesters of agricultural course work, SAE Program, SAE earnings and investments of at least $150 or 45 hours outside of class time, leadership of a 15-minute group discussion, demonstration of five procedures of parliamentary law, progress towards individual achievement in the FFA Award Program and satisfactory scholastic record.  While students are active members of the FFA there are a total of 5 degrees that they can obtain.  Degrees include: Discovery Degree, Greenhand Degree, Chapter Degree, State Degree and American Degree. The State Degree and American Degree are only awarded by state associates and an elite group of members at the national level.

A highlight of the evening was when Sophia Linenberger, FFA Member, currently fighting cancer, came to share in the festivities.

“We had such a great night sharing a meal and time with her,” said Jay Harris, FFA adviser.

Principal Chad Meitner said, “The ceremony was very nice.  I want to say thanks to Jay for all his work with the FFA! It gives our kids some great experiences.”

In addition, at the FFA Meal funds were collected to send to the Nebraska Red Cross for victims of the flooding in Nebraska.  A total of $310 was collected.

“I took the donation to the Eagle Communications office where I was told that the Schmidt Foundation is matching all donations brought to them.  This means the money we collected will be doubled to $620,” said Harris.