Each year during the National FFA Convention & Expo, the National FFA Organization awards its top chapters with the prestigious Model of Excellence and Premier Chapter awards. These chapters actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization and improve chapter operations that emphasize leadership, community service and agriculture.
Forty-five chapters competed in a presentation and interview process for the top honors during this year’s national convention. In the end, these five winning chapters received a plaque in an onstage ceremony during the convention’s second general session on Thursday, Oct. 31.
Model of Excellence Winner—Covington-UVCC of Ohio
Covington-UVCC FFA identified a need to lower stress in their student body, promote production agriculture and improve the future lives of students. The De-Stressalizer program offered four events—including tai chi and a movie night—throughout the school year that allowed students to unwind. The chapter’s Harvest Day included activities about harvesting and plant germination as well as kiddie tractor races. The chapter also highlighted former members during National FFA Week to showcase post-high school opportunities.
Premier Chapter: Growing Leaders Winner—Waterloo FFA of Illinois
Waterloo FFA members created a workout video that promoted the mental and physical well-being of students in kindergarten through third grade. Members chose the age-appropriate exercises and activities and filmed and edited the video. By creating “Fun Fitness in Ag,” members worked together to create a fun activity that influenced those involved.
Premier Chapter: Building Communities Winner—Troy FFA of Missouri
Troy FFA chose the #SIGNONESAVEMANY campaign to promote organ donor registration to its members and supporters, ultimately improving the welfare and physical well-being of the town’s citizens and beyond. Members used social media, videos and presentations to encourage enrollment in the program while educating on the importance or organ donation. The chapter signed up more than 1,000 people to the registry, potentially benefiting more than 100,000 people in the long term.
Premier Chapter: Strengthening Agriculture Winner—Edmond FFA of Oklahoma
Edmond FFA recognized the growing popularity of podcasts and wanted to use the medium to share information about various agricultural topics. They then created “Ag in the Airwaves.” Members learned skills such as script composition and editing and produced four podcasts that were featured on the chapter’s website and social media pages. The podcasts had more than 412 reactions, and all 19 members in the agricultural communications class participated.
Middle School Model of Excellence Winner—Commerce Middle School, Georgia
Commerce Middle School FFA, 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.
John Deere sponsors the National Chapter Award program. For more information on the National Chapter Award Program, visit FFA.org/nationalchapter.
