Jill Adolphsen, a 2023 Sequim High School graduate and current sophomore at Southwestern Community College of Iowa, has achieved the most prestigious honor awarded by the Future Farmers of America (FFA): the American FFA Degree. Jill was recognized for this remarkable achievement at the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo, held on October 26, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The National FFA Organization bestows the American FFA Degree annually to members who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the FFA’s mission of fostering premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. This accolade is to Jill’s hard work, commitment, and passion for the agricultural field.
To earn the American FFA Degree, you need to be an active FFA member and meet some important goals. You must have your State FFA Degree, be involved in FFA for at least three years, and take part in chapter and state events.
You also need to complete three years of agriculture classes in high school or a mix of high school and college agriculture classes, graduate at least a year before the national convention, and keep records of a great supervised agricultural experience (SAE) project. For the financial part, you need to earn and invest $10,000 through your project or combine at least $2,000 with 2,250 hours of work outside class time. You’ll also need to show leadership skills and help your community with at least 50 hours of service in three different activities. This degree celebrates your hard work and success in agriculture!
Achieving this honor places Jill among an elite group of FFA members, less than one percent of all members earn the American FFA Degree. At the national convention, Jill received a gold American FFA Degree key and certificate to commemorate her achievement.
Congratulations to Jill Adolphsen for this extraordinary accomplishment! Her dedication to agriculture and her commitment to excellence serve as an inspiration to her peers and community.