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 John Cunningham, a member of the Natchitoches Central High School FFA chapter from 2010-2014, was awarded the American FFA Degree at the 89th National FFA Convention & Expo on Oct. 22 in Indianapolis.

Sponsored by ADM Crop Risk Services, Case IH, Elanco, Farm Credit and Syngenta as a special project of the National FFA Foundation and the National FFA Organization, the award recognizes demonstrated ability and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing or service programs.

Each recipient of the American FFA Degree receives a gold American FFA Degree key, certificate and matted frame after being recognized on stage at the national convention.  The prestigious degree is awarded to less than 1 percent of FFA members.

The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 629,367 student members who belong to one of 7,757 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

John’s grandfather, Dr. Leland Scoggins also received the American FFA Degree in 1952.

PHOTO:  John Cunningham receives degrees from FFA National President Taylor McNeel