Eight Madras students get State FFA Degrees

Eight students at Madras High School received their state FFA degrees this year. The degrees are a culmination and recognition of student achievement in FFA.

The students awarded their degrees are James Lange, Seth Feigner, Eli Boyle, Ninette Garcia, Iliana Baza, Sydney McElroy, Mason Lee and Teal Burril.

In order to get these degrees, students must log 500 hours in FFA trainings and events, 30 out-of-school FFA activities, and many community service activities and events. They also must give a formal presentation as a final step to receiving the degree.

Mason Lee, a senior, said, “I’ve been able to add it to a resume for scholarships and ag related things. It’s one of the highest accomplishments you can get, and it really shows your experience.”

The experience of being involved in the chapter, according to Lee and Iliana Baza, was the best part. “The overnight trips to judge livestock, and getting together to learn and hang out has been really fun,” said Lee. “Accomplishing things as a chapter and going to conventions to meet new people and build relationships with others that have an interest in agriculture is nice.”

Both Baza and Lee are seniors and plan to pursue agriculture related degrees after high school.

Baza mentioned the consistency and dedication getting the degree took. “It’s a lot of hard work and dedication to something. It’s something you have to be really in it to pursue.”