Special to Iredell Free News

South Iredell High School FFA members participated virtually in the 92nd North Carolina FFA State Convention on June 22-24.

The chapter members received several notable honors and awards at this year’s convention:

American FFA Degree

The American FFA Degree shows recognition of a student in their four years of academic and professional excellence. To be eligible, FFA members must have earned and productively invested $10,000 through a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program in which they own their own business or hold 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. Less than 1 percent of FFA members achieve the American FFA Degree.

South Iredell student Hanna Ball will be awarded the American FFA Degree at the 94th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indiana later this year.

Old North State FFA Degree

The State degree is awarded by the NC State FFA Association for select members that meet the requirements for the degree, which include completing two years of agricultural education coursework, investing a minimum of $1,000 or 300 hours in their respective SAE project, participating in several FFA events, and completing 25 hours of community service.

Hannah Loftin, a third generation FFA Member at South Iredell and recipient of a state degree, is excited about receiving this award.

Proficiency Awards

FFA members must conduct a Supervised Agricultural Experience project to earn hours or money to qualify them for the different degrees in FFA. FFA members with exceptional SAE’s are invited to complete proficiency awards to compete against other FFA members in the same area. This year two students submit proficiency award applications.

Hannah Loftin placed first in the Dairy Production-Entrepreneurship Award area. Having placed first in the state with her proficiency application, Hannah will advance to the national contest, where she will compete against other winning applications from across the country.