By Andi Anderson
The National FFA Organization has announced the 16 finalists for its 2024 American Star Awards, the highest achievement awards in the organization.
The finalists are recognized in four categories: American Star Farmer, American Star in Agribusiness, American Star in Agricultural Placement, and American Star in Agriscience.
The American Star Awards highlight the best among thousands of American FFA Degree recipients. These awards honor FFA members who have developed exceptional agricultural skills and competencies through supervised agricultural experience (SAE) programs.
An SAE allows FFA members to learn by doing, whether by owning and operating an agricultural business, interning at an agricultural enterprise, or conducting agriculture-based scientific experiments.
To achieve this prestigious award, candidates must demonstrate superior management skills, complete key agricultural education and leadership requirements, and earn an American FFA Degree, the highest level of student accomplishment in the organization.
A panel of judges will interview the finalists and select one winner from each category. The winners will be announced during the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo, to be held in Indianapolis this fall. Sponsors for the American FFA Degree recognition program and the American Star Awards include Cargill, Case IH, John Deere, and Syngenta.
The finalists for each category are as follows:
American Star Farmer
Larahmy Blakley, Oologah FFA Chapter, Oklahoma
Paul Oliver, Tattnall FFA Chapter, Georgia
Ty Steffen, Newark FFA Chapter, Illinois
Jacie Wolfinger, Sumner-Eddyville-Miller FFA Chapter, Nebraska
American Star in Agribusiness
Austin Archer, Cookeville FFA Chapter, Tennessee
Allyson Arthur, Chickasha FFA Chapter, Oklahoma
Landon Haney, Arcanum-MVCTC FFA Chapter, Ohio
Maggie McDonald, Magnolia FFA Chapter, Arkansas
American Star in Agricultural Placement
Ethan David Lulich, Mauston FFA Chapter, Wisconsin
Arturo Madriz, Madera FFA Chapter, California
Wylie Schwebach, Moriarty FFA Chapter, New Mexico
Gage Slagell, Hydro-Eakly FFA Chapter, Oklahoma
American Star in Agriscience
Audrey Bishop, Van Alstyne FFA Chapter, Texas
Lizzie Catherine Schafer, Taylorville FFA Chapter, Illinois
Rylee Smith, Oologah FFA Chapter, Oklahoma
Garren Thomas Hamby, Eagleville FFA Chapter, Tennessee
These finalists represent the pinnacle of achievement within the National FFA Organization, showcasing their dedication, hard work, and expertise in various agricultural fields. The upcoming National FFA Convention & Expo will be an exciting event where these young leaders' accomplishments will be celebrated.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Indiana, General