By: Mary Ann Brown
Cooper Diekemper, Katelyn Davidson, Maddy Rae Schomaker, and Karlie Gehrs
interviewed on Feb. 10 in Mt. Vernon for their FFA State Degree.
The state degree is the highest honor someone can earn in FFA at the state level.
Some requirements for this degree include maintaining a 2.5 or higher grade point
average, participating in five FFA activities above the chapter level, and completing 25 hours of
community service.
During the interview, students were asked questions over their supervised agricultural
experience proficiencies, also known as record books, the Illinois FFA, and other topics.
“ I don’t currently plan on doing anything directly with my state degree, but it opened the
opportunity for my American Degree and to potentially run for section president,” junior Cooper
Diekemper said.
All four students were referred for their state degree, which means they were
recommended by their section teachers.
“I am so proud of the four of our students that have been recommended to the state for
this degree. If accepted, they will be recognized at the State FFA Convention in June at
Springfield with a special Degree ceremony that is strictly for them with their parents and family
there also,” Tammy Gerstenecker said.
The students will be notified later this spring of the official decision.