Congratulations! by Sara Padgett

From the beginning of the school year we have been learning and explaining the FFA motto and creed and learning about the FFA emblem and the FFA salute. We also learned the FFA colors, FFA official dress as well as the proper use of the FFA jacket, the meaning of the emblem, and the FFA Code of Ethics. We also had to learn where the officers sat and what their symbol was. After mastering everything, the first year agriculture students took a test so we could prove we knew the information in order to earn our Greenhand degree. Once we received an 85% or higher on the test then we were able to receive a certificate and a bronze Greenhand pin at the Degree Ceremony which was held December 9th during class. The Greenhand pin will be worn on our official jacket to special events. At the ceremony forty-two first year students were called up in front of the school to receive their degree and get our picture taken. After the ceremony was over we had cake and ice cream to celebrate.Three second-year Natural Resources students earned their Chapter Degree. This is the second tier of the FFA Degree System. These students have already earned their Greenhand Degree, completed 180 hours of agriculture education, have earned $150 through their Supervised Agriculture Experience, have helped conduct three official FFA functions, lead a group for 15 minutes or more, and demonstrated five parliamentary procedures. Congratulations to Jordan Enis, Rob Giles and Shaniece Langston for earning the Chapter Degree and silver Chapter Degree pin!