Ripley (Saturday, July 13th 2024) – FFA members from across the state of West Virginia converged on Cedar Lakes Conference Center this second week of July for the 96th Annual State FFA Convention. At the convention members Sean Bell, Emma Hitt, Harris Holden, Spencer Nolan, and Makenna Post were awarded the West Virginia State FFA Degree. The State FFA Degree is awarded by State Associations and is open to members in 11th grade or higher who are involved in chapter leadership, state–level activities and community service, and who complete a set number of hours of instruction and SAE growth and productivity. In addition, members Luke Hall (Landscape Management), Katie Rogers (Diversified Livestock), and Spencer Nolan (Agriculture Education) were all recognized as State Champion Proficiency Winners.
A program record of five alumni members were announced as recipients of the American FFA Degree: Kylie Fenstermacher, Caleb Law, Tyson Lipps, Kevin Nelson, and Taylor Smith. The American FFA Degree, considered the gold standard, is the highest FFA degree. It is awarded to high school graduate members with demonstrated leadership, community service, academic success and outstanding SAE programs.
The West Virginia Association of Agricultural Educators (WVAAE) named the South Harrison Agriculture Education Department the State’s Outstanding Program for the third consecutive year and will represent West Virginia at the National Conference later this Winter. A goal of WVAAE is to promote outstanding programs in agricultural education and effectively communicate success stories. The Outstanding Middle/Secondary School Ag Ed Program Award seeks to recognize agriculture programs at the middle and high school level that are creating boundless classrooms and providing limitless learning for their students. The award specifically highlights the achievements and growth of the program over the last five years (2020-2025).