INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, Aug. 12, 2019/National FFA Organization) – Thirteen individuals will be honored in an onstage ceremony with a VIP Citation at this year’s National FFA Convention & Expo held in Indianapolis Oct. 30-Nov. 2. The VIP Citation recognizes individuals’ significant contribution to FFA and agricultural education.

Those individuals receiving this distinction include Richard Barczewski of Dover, Del.; Marc Beitia of American Falls, Idaho; Don Boggs of Manhattan, Kan.; Bob Funk of Oklahoma City, Okla.; the late Kevin Koeleyn of Tulare, Calif.; Joel Larsen of Roseville, Minn.; Lloyd McCabe of Dixon, Calif.; Dan Pentony of Danville, Ill.; Ron Pulse of Cheyenne, Wyo.; Michael Scuse of Dover, Del.; John Starkey of Tucker, Ga.; Richard Taylor of Newark, Del.; Gary Thome of Adams, Minn.

“The VIP Award recognizes the dedicated individuals who contribute to the FFA mission of student success through their hard work and cooperation,” National FFA chief executive officer Mark Poeschl said. “Without such strong and outstanding commitment, FFA would not be able to help build strong character in its members, who in turn become strong leaders in their families, communities and businesses.”

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.