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Three Graduate Members of the West Plains FFA Received American FFA Degree
Photo - Chance Barnes Keegan Wilson in front of Freedom Hall at the National FFA Convention. Laura Kerschen was unable to travel to National Convention to accept her degree due to her college obligations. There will be a local reception in spring for the three recipients.
The American FFA Degree is bestowed up on a select group of students in recognition of their years of academic and professional excellence. This year, 3,434American Degrees were awarded nationwide.
This year at the 88th National FFA Convention in Louisville, Kentucky; three graduate members from the West Plains FFA Chapter received their American FFA Degree. 2013 graduate, Laura Kerschen, daughter of Pat and Marcia Kerschen, is currently attending Oklahoma State University. Kerschen volunteers at the Turning Point Ranch and assist with Children’s riding therapy, is a member of the OSU horse judging team, Pre-vet club, Horseman’s club, Paddle club and is studying Animal Science/Pre-Veterinary Medicine. 2014 graduate Keegan Wilson, the son of Jerry and Darlene Wilson attends Missouri State University-West Plains. Wilson intends to transfer to Missouri State University-Springfield in the Fall of 2016, where he will study for his Bachelors of Science in Chemistry. 2014 graduate Chance Barnes, the son of Cathy Klein, currently attends Missouri State University of West Plains where he is pursuing a degree in Agriculture Business-Finance and Management. He is a member of the West Plains Optimist and serves as an Officer for the West Plains FFA Alumni Association.
History of West Plains FFA Winners
1962 James Taylor |
1978 John Doss |
1981 Mark Hinds |
1986 Michelle Collins |
1987 Jim Brassfield |
1990 Susan Rogers |
1990 Karen Reed |
1999 Katherine Baker |
2003 Diane Chapin |
2003 Justin Hicks |
2004 Jesse Cheever |
2004 Stephanie Horn |
2004 Ben Lairson |
2004 Mathew Franks |
2005 Jerrod Lawrence |
2006 Ross Hicks |
2006 Brittany French |
2007 Rachel Harris |
2007 Barbara Guffey |
2007 Kayla Head |
2007 Mariah Lawrence |
2008 Ashley Strange |
2009 Cody Smith |
2009 Levi Forester |
2011 Brendon Wilson |
2011 Schanda Johnson |
2013 Clayton Smith |
2013 Tyler Hicks |
2013 Landon Bunch |
2013 Tanner Pace |
2013 Lidia Collins |
2013 Desley Jett |
Sponsored by ADM Crop Risk Services, Case IH, DuPont Pioneer, Elanco, Farm Credit and Syngenta as a special project of the National FFA Foundation, 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 $7,500 through a supervised agricultural experience program in which they start, own or hold a professional position in an existing agriculture enterprise. Recipients must also complete 50 hours community service and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement.
Each recipient of the American FFA Degree receives a gold American FFA Degree key and a certificate after being recognized on stage at that national convention.
The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 610,240 student members in grades seven through 12 who belong to one of 7,665 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.