Oxford Academy FFA members Maddy Howe and Troy Marshman. (Photos from Oxford FFA)

INDIANAPOLIS - Maddy Howe and Troy Marshman, both of Oxford and now Alumni of the Oxford FFA Chapter, were awarded American FFA Degrees at this year's National FFA Convention.

Each year, the National FFA Organization honors FFA members who show the utmost dedication to the organization through their desire to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

Sponsored by Cargill, Case IH, Elanco Animal Health, and Syngenta, the award recognizes demonstrated ability and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing, or service programs.

To be eligible, FFA members must have earned at least $10,000 or earned at least $2,000 and worked at least 2,250 hrs outside of class time through a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program in which they own their own business,hold a professional position as an employee, or conduct research.

Recipients must also complete 50 hours of community service and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement through completion of a long list of FFA and community activities. Less than one percent of FFA members achieve the American FFA Degree.

Each recipient of the American FFA Degree receives a gold American FFA Degree key and certificate after being recognized at the national convention.

"As their FFA Advisor, I am so proud of these individuals for their dedication and commitment to Agriculture. Maddy and Troy follow the footsteps of previous award winners and we look forward to having many more recipients of this award in the years to come,” said Oxford Agricultural Teacher Renee Johnson.

Since 2016, the following Alumni have received this honor; Victoria Peila-Ryan, Thomas Ryan, Megan Peila, Karly Marshman, Jessie Howe and Lorraine Buser. Oxford cannot wait to continue to add to this list of distinguished Alumni.

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 945,000 student members as part of 9,163 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

- Information from Oxford Academy FFA