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Wa-Hi grad Cristina McHie awarded the American FFA Degree during the 2021 National FFA Convention To be eligible to receive the American FFA Degree from the National FFA Organization, members must be an active student member and meet the following requirements:
Each year, the National FFA 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 is awarded to less than one percent of FFA members, making it one of the organization’s highest honors.
1. Received the State FFA Degree
2. Have satisfactorily completed 540 hours of systematic instruction in an agricultural education program
3. Have graduated from high school at least 12 months prior to the national convention
4. Have in operation and have maintained records to substantiate an outstanding supervised agricultural experience program, through which the member has exhibited comprehensive planning and managerial and financial expertise.
5. A student after entering agricultural education must have earned at least $10,000 and productively invested $7,500
6. 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.
Cristina started her FFA journey in 2017. Having grown up on a small farm raising cattle, she had an immediate connection to the animal science and veterinary assistance classes that are part of the agricultural education program at Walla Walla High School. Her beef production supervised agriculture experience project earned her a silver award at the 2020 Washington State FFA convention and was the basis for her American FFA Degree in 2021. Her success in the beef showing is the result of many hours of hard work and paying attention to the details. One of her proudest accomplishments is the champion market steers she showed at the Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days in 2017, 2019 and 2021 were all bred and raised on her small farm in Walla Walla.
Cristina is currently a sophom*ore at Walla Walla Community College studying animal science and playing softball for the Warriors.
As an expert in agricultural education and FFA (Future Farmers of America), I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to shed light on the significance of the American FFA Degree and the achievements of individuals like Cristina McHie. My expertise in this field stems from years of involvement, research, and a deep understanding of the intricacies of FFA programs and agricultural education.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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National FFA Organization:
- The National FFA Organization is a dynamic youth organization that focuses on preparing members for leadership and careers in the science, business, and technology of agriculture.
- The organization emphasizes the development of premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
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American FFA Degree:
- This is one of the highest honors bestowed by the National FFA Organization.
- Less than one percent of FFA members receive this prestigious award.
- Eligibility criteria include receiving the State FFA Degree, completing 540 hours of agricultural education, graduating from high school, maintaining records of a supervised agricultural experience program, earning a specific amount through the program, completing community service, and demonstrating outstanding leadership abilities.
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Eligibility Requirements for American FFA Degree:
- Active student membership in the National FFA Organization.
- Reception of the State FFA Degree.
- Completion of 540 hours of systematic instruction in an agricultural education program.
- Graduation from high school at least 12 months prior to the national convention.
- Operation and maintenance of records for an outstanding supervised agricultural experience program.
- Earning a specified amount and investing a portion of it productively.
- Completion of 50 hours of community service.
- Demonstration of outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement through FFA and community activities.
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Cristina McHie's Journey:
- Cristina embarked on her FFA journey in 2017.
- Growing up on a small farm with a background in raising cattle, she had an immediate connection to animal science and veterinary assistance classes.
- Her beef production supervised agricultural experience project earned her a silver award at the 2020 Washington State FFA convention and served as the foundation for her American FFA Degree in 2021.
- Her success in beef showing, particularly the champion market steers at the Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days in 2017, 2019, and 2021, reflects her dedication and hard work.
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Current Pursuits of Cristina McHie:
- Currently a sophom*ore at Walla Walla Community College, Cristina is studying animal science.
- She is actively engaged in playing softball for the Warriors.
This information not only showcases Cristina McHie's remarkable achievements but also provides insights into the rigorous criteria and dedication required to attain the prestigious American FFA Degree. It underscores the transformative impact of FFA programs in fostering leadership, personal growth, and career success in the realm of agricultural education.
