Each year, the National FFA Organization honors FFA members who show the utmost dedication to the organization through their desire to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The American FFA Degree is bestowed upon a select group of students in recognition of their years of academic and professional excellence. This year 3,863 American Degrees were awarded.
Bailey Rogers and Molly Schempp, members of the Olympia FFA chapter were awarded the American FFA Degree at the 94th National FFA Convention & Expo Oct. 27-30.
Sponsored by Case IH, Elanco Animal Health, NAU Country Insurance Company, Pepsico Inc, RAM Trucks and Syngenta, the award recognizes demonstrated ability and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing or service programs. 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 the completion of a long list of FFA and community activities. Less than one percent of FFA members achieve the American FFA Degree. Each recipient of the American FFA Degree receives a gold American FFA Degree key and certificate after being recognized at the national convention.
Bailey is the daughter of Clint and Monica Rogers of rural Armington. Her SAE has included animal care on her family farm as well as caring for animals on other farms. She has also started and maintained her own apparel business. Bailey has made shirts for the Olympia FFA Chapter and many other clubs and organizations. She is currently studying International Agriculture and Agricultural Education at North Dakota State University.
Molly is the daughter of Darin and Cindy Schempp of rural Atlanta. Her SAE has included animal projects, agricultural communications, and working for a local nursery/landscaping business. Molly has also served as the Illinois FFA State Vice President in 2020-2021. She is currently studying Agricultural Education at the University of Illinois.
Molly and Bailey are the first Olympia FFA members to earn their American FFA Degree since 1984. They are also the first female FFA members from Olympia to earn the degree. Ag Teacher/FFA Advisor, Bryce Hoffman stated, “I’m so proud of these two! They set a goal and worked extremely hard to achieve it. I’m certain they will inspire others.”
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 760,000 student members as part of 8,700 local FFA chapters in all 50 states.