Two CHS Graduates Receive Prestigious FFA American Degree

For an FFA member there is nothing
like the feeling of walking into The National FFA Convention Hall and seeing a
sea of Blue Jackets. Recently the Continental FFA attended the 89th National FFA
Convention. Convention was held in Indianapolis, Indiana and this year’s theme
is Transform.

Sophomore, Casey Etter along with
Advisor, Katie Schnipke attended the 7th General Session of The National FFA
Convention. They were two of the 61,979 members, advisors & guests in
attendance during the session held Friday evening. While at the session, Casey
was able to see the National Officer Team, National Public Speaking Awards
presentation, and listen to motivational speaker Colin Ryan.

A small percentage of members attain
the highest of FFA Degrees, The American Degree. This year Continental FFA was
represented with pride and honor by two American Degree recipients, Cody Etter
and Vernon Prowant. 3,780 FFA Members received their American Degrees, of those
345 were from Ohio with the rest from the other 49 states respectfully.

There are four previous levels that
can be attained before applicants can apply for The American Degree. If a school
offers a middle school program they receive their Discovery Degree. When members
become freshman they become Greenhands. Sophomores through seniors are given
their Chapter Degrees, and those who meet qualifications can apply and
receive their State Degree before graduation. After a member graduates high
school and has received their State Degree, if they meet the qualifications,
they may apply for their American Degree.

On Saturday, October 22, 2016
Cody Etter, son of Mark and Brenda Etter, and Veron Prowant, son of Mitch and Deb
Prowant walked in front of 62,456 members, advisors & guests at the 8th
General Session to receive their American Degrees.

It was the final time each of the boys
will wear their famous Blue Jackets as an official FFA member. That moment of
achievement will be one they will carry with them for a lifetime. FFA members
have a saying, “You may outgrow the jacket, but you will never outgrow the
experience.” Those words are so true. The whole FFA experience is more than
classroom education. It is a platform for personal growth, leadership, learning,
and core values to help them exceed at anything they do in life.

As a community and school we are all
proud of our FFA members and their accomplishments from attaining the American
Degree, to Transforming with the restructuring of the Continental Chapter, to
hoping for a future.

Lastly, thank you to all who have
continued to support the Continental FFA Chapter. This year our members have
some exciting events planned. They each have taken new leadership roles in
planning upcoming events and ongoing transformations and are excited to learn
and carry out those events. Thank you Board of Education Members,
Administration, staff, parents, members, and the Continental Community for all
you have done to help along this journey.