Stroh Earns National American FFA Degree
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Attending FFA National Convention in Indianapolis were chaperone Jade Pleninger, Ashlyn Hofeldt, Madi Gruszie, Jacob Metcalf, Ben Hofeldt, Wylee Simenson, Aislinn Handy, Morgan Friede, Falyn Cecrle, and Advisor Mitzi Cecrle. NOT PICTURED: Chaperone Trisha Gruszie.
A Convention & Expo took place on October 26-29, approximately 80,000 FFA members from around the United States gathered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Among them were ten members from Chinook. The Chapter's Advisor, Mitzi Cecrle recently shared news of their time spent among their blue-jacketed comrades. One among them, Rebecca Stroh was awarded the American FFA Degree.
According to a spokesperson for the National FFA Foundation, the American FFA Degree is bestowed upon a select group of students in recognition of their years of academic and professional excellence. Fewer than one percent of FFA members achieve the American FFA Degree. This year, 4,305 American Degrees were awarded in a ceremony on October 29.
Sponsored by Case IH, Elanco Animal Health, Syngenta, and Pepsico Inc., the award recognizes demonstrated ability and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing, or service programs. On her path to earning this award, Stroh had to demonstrate dedication to the FFA organization through her desire to develop her potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
When asked about her reaction to winning, Stroh responded: "If I remember correctly, a teacher that my mom worked with congratulated her before either one of us knew about the award. In fact, I learned about it after I was tagged in a Facebook post! We both called each other at close to the same time to share the news. I was honestly shocked at first because it is such a high honor to win. I knew I had worked hard and it was great to see that effort come to life. In Indianapolis, when I was handed the award on stage, it was a breathtaking experience, looking out and just seeing that sea of blue across the stadium, knowing that so many kids out there want to be able to walk across the stage for this degree and I was able to be one of them."
To be eligible, Stroh was required to have earned and productively invested $10,000 through a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program in which she owns her own business or holds a professional position as an employee. Recipients must also complete 50 hours of community service and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement through completion of a long list of FFA and community activities.
On her journey to reaching this achievement, Stroh credited many people. "The most significant impact came from my three ag teachers who really pushed me-from Robin Allen, who got me into FFA and record book keeping, to Karen Billmayer, who encouraged me to take the step to apply for my State Degree as well as my American Degree. Finally, Mitzi Cecrle made it all happen and got me to Indianapolis to celebrate my degree with family and friends!
"My parents also played a significant role by making this possible. They gave me responsibilities on our farm/ranch that made my record keeping easy. They helped me buy my first horses and ponies to start my training and breeding SAE that took me on to my American Degree as well as pushed me and gave me time to volunteer and get community service. Miles Community College also played a role by having opportunities to do community service and making it such a big deal in Miles City."
For her achievement of the American FFA Degree, Stroh received a gold American FFA Degree key and certificate after being recognized at the national convention.
In other activities while at Nationals, Chinook FFA Chapter members attended an exclusive Lauren Alaine and Jimmie Allen Concert put on just for FFA members. That entertainment was held Wednesday night.
American FFA Degree recipient, Rebecca Stroh shares her moment in the spotlight in Indianapolis with her mother, Lisa Stroh.
The following morning, several members described the Opening Session at the Lucas Oil Stadium as inspirational. At that session, National FFA President, Cole Baerlocher shared his message entitled "Reflections." Another Thursday highlight was hearing the address delivered by Keynote Speaker Tamika Catchings, a four-time Gold Olympic Basketball Player. That was followed by educational tours to grain companies and to small businesses such as Artisan Candles. Students also attended workshops like "Be Kind to Your Mind," "Getting Where You Want to Go," and "Blue and Gold Entrepreneurship." According to Cecrle, the day ended with a visit to a steakhouse so that members could reach an understanding about where their products end up and what all their hard work is for.
"They got to experience what it is like for people who enjoy what they raise. It is important for the students to know what different cuts of meat are being prepared and what they taste like when a top notch chef is cooking that beef up for the rest of the world," Cecrle explained.
Friday was another full day of workshops and a Trade Show, featuring entrepreneurs and colleges from all around America. The night ended with the World's Toughest Bulls and Broncs at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum.
"All in all, the event met our expectations, and we came home energized and with ideas to try," Cecrle said.
