INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019/National FFA Organization) — Commerce Middle School FFA of Georgia has been named the 2019 National FFA Middle School Model of Excellence winner at the 92nd National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis.

The National Chapter Award program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. These chapters improve chapter operations using the National Quality FFA Chapter Standards and a Program of Activities that emphasizes growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture.
Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership.

Commerce Middle School FFA of Georgia, in its first year, focused on recruitment and involvement. The chapter hosted “Eat, Meet and Greet,” an event where parents and community members were invited to learn more about the program. The chapter provided leadership workshops for members, as well as developed a project to increase college and career readiness in relation to agriculture careers. Members also engaged with the community by making pillowcases for the women’s shelter and teaming with the Beta Club for a campus cleanup.

Middle school chapters that received high three-star ratings during judging in the summer are eligible to compete for the Middle School Model of Excellence award, the highest honor awarded to a middle school FFA chapter by the National FFA Organization. Five FFA chapters competed in a presentation and interview process for the top honor during this year’s national convention. Commerce Middle School FFA received a plaque in an onstage ceremony during the convention’s second general session on Thursday, Oct. 31.

John Deere sponsors the National Chapter Award program.

The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to more than 700,000 student members who belong to one of the more than 8,600 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is also supported by more than 8 million alumni and supporters throughout the U.S.

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About National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a national youth organization of more than 700,000 student members as part of 8,600 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook, Twitter, and the official news page of the National FFA Organization.

About National FFA Foundation
The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations, and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders, and support the future of agricultural education. Governed by a 19-member board of trustees composed of educators, business leaders, individual donors and FFA Alumni, the foundation is a separately registered nonprofit organization. About 82 percent of every dollar received by the foundation supports FFA members and agricultural education opportunities. For more, visit FFA.org/Give.