Algona FFA receives national recognition at 99th National FFA Convention
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ALGONA -- Six members of the Algona FFA Chapter traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana, to attend the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo, joining 72,907 FFA members, advisors, and guests from across the country for leadership development, career exploration, and national recognition.
The highlight of the convention was the Algona FFA Chapter receiving the prestigious 3-Star National Chapter Award, the highest recognition level in the National Chapter Award Program. Algona was one of just 12 high school FFA chapters in Iowa to earn the rating.
The National Chapter Award Program recognizes chapters for excellence in three areas: growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture.
Chapters earning national recognition demonstrate their commitment to leadership development, personal growth, career success, and community involvement.
Chapter officers Malea Divis and Josie Reynolds represented Algona FFA on stage during the second general session to accept the award.
Another highlight was Algona FFA member Reid Louwagie earning his American FFA Degree during the Saturday morning American Degree session. The American Degree is the highest individual degree awarded by the National FFA Organization. Louwagie was among 5,818 FFA members nationwide to earn this prestigious honor, which recognizes outstanding achievement in supervised agricultural experiences, leadership, and FFA involvement.
Throughout the convention, members attended general sessions featuring motivational speakers, national FFA officers, and award presentations. Members also heard remarks from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and the retiring address of National FFA Eastern Region Vice President Joey Nowotny. The convention concluded with the American FFA Degree Ceremony, recognizing members who earned the organization’s highest individual degree.
Members explored the National FFA Expo and Career Fair, connecting with agricultural businesses, colleges, universities, and industry representatives. The expo highlighted career opportunities, emerging technologies, and educational pathways throughout the agricultural industry.
Educational tours provided additional hands-on learning experiences. At the Indiana Exotic Feline Rescue Center, members learned about exotic animal care, welfare, and management. A visit to Traders Point Creamery, an organic dairy farm, provided insight into preventative herd health practices, milk production, and dairy processing. Students toured the milking parlor, processing facilities, cattle feeding areas, calf facilities, and farm-to-table garden. The tour concluded with a sample of the creamery’s vanilla ice cream.
Members also enjoyed an evening at the 3 Hills Rodeo, watching bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, and bull riding.
"Receiving the 3-Star National Chapter Award is a tremendous honor and reflects the dedication of our FFA members and officers," said Algona FFA Advisor Betsy Becker. "We are proud of their leadership, hard work, and commitment to our community. This achievement would not be possible without the continued support of our school district, families, businesses, and community."