By Woodrow Polston
Members of the Van-Far Future Farmers of America chapter were joined by parents and teachers last Thursday night for the Greenhand degree ceremony. There were 49 FFA members present for the ceremony. FFA president Mara Jensen welcomed everyone to the event.
“I would like to welcome parents, administrators, teachers, friends and guests to our degree ceremony recognition this evening,” said Jensen. “Our chapter has had a successful and busy year. The purpose of this evening is to honor our Greenhand and chapter recipients,” she added.
Among the guests attending the ceremony was state FFA Vice President Allison Schneider. She spoke to Van-Far FFA members about the importance of having a positive mindset.
“The most important piece of advice that I have looking back, is to keep a positive mindset,” said Schneider. “That has been my experience throughout high school and my time in FFA. I have learned that you not only have to have a positive mindset, but also a prepared mindset. The hardships that I endured during my freshman and sophomore years, made me enjoy those moments of praise and rewards in my junior and senior years. What I really want to tell you all is that you do not have problems, rather you have solutions. If you keep a positive and prepared mindset, nothing will stand in your way, and you will be unstoppable. Congratulations to you all and I hope to see you at the state convention,” she added.
There were 26 students who were candidates for the FFA Greenhand degree. The Greenhand degree is the first in a series of consecutive degrees awarded to high school FFA members to signify the member’s accomplishments. This degree is awarded to new FFA members who can recite the FFA Creed and who have formed a Supervised Agricultural Experience plan. After students earn their Greenhand Degree, they can apply for the Chapter, State, and American Degrees, in that order. There were 17 FFA members who were candidates for the Chapter FFA degree. The Chapter FFA Degree is awarded to members in 10th grade or higher who are involved in chapter activities and community service and complete the minimum hours of instruction and SAE project growth.
After the ceremony was completed, members assembled for photos. Cake and refreshments were provided for members and guests.