Kelly FFA hosts degree ceremony

Kelly FFA members receiving the 2014 Greenhand Degree included, from left: Wyatt LeDure, Dylan Sander, Teva Yancy, Kenzie Scherer and Gracen Florek. Submitted photo

BENTON - The Kelly FFA Chapter held its annual Greenhand and Chapter Degree Ceremony on Nov. 18 in the Ag Building.

To be eligible to receive the Greenhand FFA Degree from the chapter, a member must be enrolled in agricultural education and have satisfactory plans for a supervised agricultural experience program, learn and explain the FFA Creed, motto, salute and FFA mission statement, describe and explain the meaning of the FFA emblem and colors, demonstrate a knowledge of the FFA Code of Ethics and the proper use of the FFA jacket, demonstrate a knowledge of the history of the organization, the chapter constitution and bylaws and the chapter Program of Activities, personally own or have access to the Official FFA Manual and the FFA Student Handbook, and submit a written application for the Greenhand FFA Degree.

Five first-year members received the degree this year. They were Kenzie Scherer, Gracen Florek, Wyatt LeDure, Teva Yancy, and Dylan Sander.

Included in the Greenhand Degree ceremony is the reciting of the FFA Creed by a Greenhand recipient. This year it was performed by Kenzie Scherer and Teva Yancy.

The other degree awarded by the chapter is the Chapter FFA Degree. In order to be eligible to receive the Chapter FFA Degree, members must have received the Greenhand FFA Degree, satisfactorily completed the equivalent of at least 180 hours of instruction in agricultural education at or above the ninth grade level, have in operation an approved supervised agricultural experience program and be enrolled in an agricultural education course, have participated in the planning and conduction of at least three official functions in the chapter Program of Activities, have earned and productively invested at least $150 by the member's own efforts, or worked at least 45 hours in excess of scheduled class time, or a combination of both, and have developed plans for continued growth and improvement in a supervised agricultural experience program, have effectively lead a group discussion for 15 minutes, have demonstrated five procedures of parliamentary law, show progress toward individual achievement in the FFA award programs, have a satisfactory scholastic record, and submit a written application for the Chapter FFA Degree.

Second-year members Jacob Horton and Jacob Ashcraft were the recipients of the Chapter Degree.

Approximately 30 members and parents attended the ceremony and were treated to refreshments following the presentation of membership pins.