LEE
POLING
VANHOOSE
Members of the Marysville High School FFA program have been busy earning state and national degrees as well as placing in state competitions.
American FFA Degree
Three members of the Marysville FFA chapter have been named as American Degree recipients, the highest degree bestowed by the National FFA Organization.
Earning the American Degree were Cori Lee, Rachel Poling and Katie VanHoose. Lee and Poling are 2019 MHS graduates while VanHoose graduated in 2018.
The American Degree is the top degree in a four-tier program that recognizes individual achievement in instructional programs, supervised experience and leadership development. To merit this award, students have to show initiative in earning at least $10,000 from their own efforts in their individualized learning experiences, prove active participation in FFA activities above their local chapter, balance commitments in at least one other organization outside the FFA and invest at least 50 hours of service back to the community.
The American Degree was awarded at the National FFA Convention in October.
A portion of the American FFA Degree ceremony states “Boundaries within our country exist only in name. True American citizens are interested in and loyal to their local communities and states, but their greatest devotion is to their country. Recipients of the American FFA Degree see beyond limited horizons. They concern themselves not only with the affairs of their local chapters and state associations, but also with the National FFA Organization, working for the advancement of agriculture, which, in turn, strengthens America.”
MOSER
JOHNSON
State FFA Degree
Two members of the Marysville chapter have been honored with the State FFA Degree, the highest degree that a member can earn on the state level. To earn this degree a member has to have earned both their Greenhand and Chapter Degrees.
FFA members Aubrey Moser and Ian Johnson earned this honor. Both are 2020 graduates of MHS.
The State FFA Degree challenges members in their own arenas of personal growth, while also encouraging service beyond self. A stepping stone to the American FFA Degree, these students had to show productive investments from their individualized learning experience of $2,500 or more, compete in at least two different career development events, engage in at least six leadership development activities above the local level and provide a minimum of 25 hours of community service.
SNODGRASS
BURNHAM
KESSLER
Competitions
Three members of the Marysville FFA recently faired well in state competitions.
Senior Daniel Snodgrass brought top honors for the Marysville FFA chapter, placing first Individually in the Outdoor Power Career Development event at the Ohio FFA.
Students in this event demonstrate their mastery of understanding mechanical concepts related to engine performance and function.
After assessment of correct tool identification and use, students use their skills to help troubleshoot a variety of mechanical problems to determine corrective action.
This career development event helps students to prepare for career opportunities in mechanics and service of all engines, including agricultural equipment, passenger vehicles and recreational equipment.
Senior Taylor Burnham represented the Marysville FFA in a top notch effort, placing second in the State Livestock Judging contest for the Ohio FFA Association.
In this contest Burnham proved not only a keen eye in recognizing superior animals in livestock production, but also a firm mind in understanding principles of production crucial for ensuring quality performance of animals. Competitors must also display a knowledge of sound business practices that keep today’s producers at the front of the pack in raising safe and reliable food for the world.
This career development prepares students for opportunities in animal science while also improving their skills in animal management.
Senior Maria Kessler represented the Marysville FFA Chapter with a second place finish in the Individual Overall in the Ohio FFA State Horse Judging Contest.
For this contest students had to demonstrate their ability to judge a class of horses in competition setting, selecting animals for their superior ability to meet breed standards in conformation and performance. Students had to defend their decisions by answering questions to validate selections and their placings were compared to industry professionals.
In addition, students were assessed on their knowledge of horse management practices and knowledge of the industry.
This career development event helps students to prepare for opportunities to advance in careers associated with animal science and even in the operation of their own horse related businesses.
In 2020, the Ohio Association of FFA involved 25,577 students across 324 Chapters. Ohio FFA focuses on premier leadership, personal growth and career success.
Student activities complement agricultural classroom instruction by giving youth an opportunity to apply skills and knowledge while gaining real-world experience.