(Story by an Atlantic FFA reporter) – Each year the Iowa FFA Degree awards a select group of members with the Iowa FFA Degree. This year the Atlantic FFA Chapter has 3 members that have earned this prestigious award, Adrania Mendez, Corri Pelzer and Tate Den Beste.

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Adriana Mendez, Tate Den Beste, Corri Pelzer (photo submitted)

The Iowa FFA Degree is the highest degree that can be bestowed upon an FFA member by the Iowa FFA Association each year. Only 5% of the FFA members in Iowa receive the degree each year. The degree is normally presented at the Iowa FFA Leadership Conference at Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa but this year things will be different. With the COVID19 virus shutting down all large gatherings, the Iowa FFA Association has had to adapt as well.

To receive the Iowa FFA Degree, FFA members must meet the following standards: 1) Have been an active FFA member for at least 24 months; 2) Have completed at least two years of systematic instruction in agricultural education; 3) Have earned and productively invested at least $1,500 or worked at least 375 hours in a supervised agricultural experience program; 4) Have a satisfactory scholastic record; 5) Have demonstrated leadership abilities from a specific list of activities; 6) Have completed 25 hours of community service; and 7) Have participated in at least five different FFA activities above the local level. Atlantic FFA Advisor Eric Miller said, “I am extremely proud of these three individuals. The Iowa FFA Degree is a culmination of a lot of hard work and dedication to the Iowa FFA Association and the Atlantic FFA Chapter.”

FFA member Tate Den Beste said, “To get my Iowa Degree has pushed me to be more active in FFA in the classroom as well as the agriculture industry. It means a lot to me to be able to achieve this award.” Adriana Mendez said, “I’m so glad I had the chance to be in FFA. It helped me grow as a person and has given me so many opportunities and I will be forever grateful for FFA. My Iowa degree means alot to me. I will be the first in my family to receive an Iowa degree, and I knew from the first time I saw the Atlantic FFA Wall of Fame in the Ag room I knew I was going to put my name on there.” Corri Pelzer said, “Through FFA I have learned a lot of leadership skills that will serve me well in college and beyond. I have also made a lot of new friends through various FFA activities. Lastly I have made tons of memories that I would never have had the opportunity to make if I hadn’t stepped outside my comfort zone.”

Each Iowa FFA Degree recipient receives a certificate and the golden State FFA Degree Charm pin, which is made possible with support from Pioneer through the Iowa FFA Foundation.