INDIANAPOLIS — 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.

Ashlyn Rockey, a member of the Sargent FFA chapter, was awarded the American FFA Degree at the 96th National FFA Convention and Expo on Nov. 4. She is the second recipient from Sargent FFA to ever receive this prestigious degree.

Rockey has served as a chapter, District 4, and Colorado FFA officer. She is now attending Texas Tech and is continuing her education and commitment to agriculture while majoring in Agricultural Economics.

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 hours 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.

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