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.
The American FFA Degree, the highest bestowed, is bestowed upon a select group of students in recognition of their years of academic and professional excellence. This year over 4,400 American Degrees were awarded.
Madyson Richey, a member of the Scottsburg FFA chapter, was awarded the American FFA Degree at the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo on October 26. The daughter of Joey and Latonia Richey, Madyson graduated from Scottsburg High School in 2023. She was a five year member of the Scottsburg FFA chapter.
During her years in FFA she served in several leadership positions within the chapter. Those positions included; 8th Grade Representative, Sentinel, Historian, Vice President and President.
Madyson is one of only twelve Scottsburg FFA members to ever receive this award in the chapter’s seventy-eight year history. She is currently a sophomore at Western Kentucky University studying Agriculture with minors in Pre Vet, Animal Science and Equine Science. She plans to become a large animal veterinarian.
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. Madyson’s SAE project included raising beef cattle on her family’s farm.
Each recipient of the American FFA Degree receives a gold American FFA Degree key and certificate after being recognized at the national convention.