Less than 1% of FFA members and alumni receive the American FFA Degree. Even more coveted? The American Star Awards, which recognize four individuals with outstanding Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs).
During the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo, Landon Haney (Ohio), Wylie Schwebach (New Mexico), Lizzie Catherine Schafer (Illinois) and Paul Oliver (Georgia), were named the 2024 American Stars, adding to their lists of impressive accomplishments in FFA.
Schafer, the 2024 American Star in Agriscience and Taylorville FFA member, says she’s worked toward this honor since she was seven years old.
“[My younger self] would probably be bouncing off the walls right now,” she says. “Now that I’m older, I’m grateful for this amazing experience.”
Haney, the 2024 American Star in Agribusiness and Arcanum-MVCTC FFA member, used the challenges he faced with his SAE to create positive change in his community.
When the Bureau of Workers Compensation contacted him saying he couldn’t have employees because he wasn’t old enough to have a policy, he worked with an attorney to issue the first worker’s compensation policy in Ohio. “That was something that was extremely exciting,” he says.
Schwebach was also inspired to make a difference. The 2024 American Star in Agricultural Placement and Moriarty FFA member says his SAE allows him to help a nearby farm produce quality alfalfa hay and directly market its barley to breweries.
“If you want to look at more of an impact not only in our own economy, but statewide, we now have a local source of barley that they haven’t had before,” he says.
Oliver, the 2024 American Star Farmer and Tattnall County FFA member, is carrying on a family tradition through his award. His father, Clint Oliver, won the same award in 1989.
“When I was growing up, I always saw his plaque on the wall and I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to be in the same situation,” he says. “But, I’m here today, so it’s pretty amazing.”
Oliver says the best way to get started in an SAE is to ask questions. “Find somebody that is in a similar situation that you want to be in eventually,” he adds. “Then, try to learn everything you can.”
