INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, October 25, 2024/National FFA Organization) – Today, the National FFA Alumni and Supporters recognized several FFA Alumni Member individuals and chapters with top honors for their service during the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo.
The awards span Chapter, State and Achievement categories.
- Chapter: The Outstanding FFA Alumni Chapter Awards honor FFA Alumni Chapters for outstanding accomplishments and serve to encourage other FFA Alumni Chapters to further their own achievements. This award is judged on chapters’ work in the areas of: business operation, alumni and supporters member development, advocacy for agricultural education, agricultural education in program development, and student development.
- State: The National FFA Alumni and Supporters Outstanding State Association Award acknowledges the state association’s outstanding service and achievements in meeting quality standards. This award is judged on a state’s efforts and support in the areas of local chapter development, FFA Alumni member development, advocacy, Team Ag Ed and business operations.
- Achievement: The National FFA Alumni and Supporters Outstanding Achievement Award is the highest award presented to an individual. Its purpose is to recognize individual FFA Alumni members for their outstanding leadership and service to agricultural education, FFA and FFA Alumni and Supporters. This is a very prestigious honor given to no more than three individuals per year at the national level.
“We are proud to honor the service and legacy of several FFA alumni and outstanding chapters, who continue to generously support our mission and expand our impact,” said Allie Ellis, associate director of alumni and supporters. “Together they serve as an example of the heart of FFA, and we congratulate them on their well-deserved awards.”
CHAPTER WINNERS
Outstanding Corporate FFA Alumni and Supporters Chapter: BASF FFA Alumni and Supporters (Southern Region)
Located in the Southern Region, the BASF FFA Alumni and Supporters Corporate Chapter has set up a structured system for discussions and sharing opportunities with their members, 60% of whom are located remotely. The Leadership Team schedules dates, identifies key members to highlight, and focuses on these aspects during quarterly meetings, which has led to a 30% increase in membership. The chapter also organized a special initiative during National FFA Week where donors who gave at least $100 on Give FFA Day were entered into a drawing for one of five $1,000 grants to be awarded to a local FFA Chapter of their choice. Additionally, the chapter has collaborated with 29 states to support and promote FFA State Officer Training. The BASF FFA Alumni and Supporters Chapter has played a significant role in nurturing the future of FFA.
Outstanding FFA Alumni and Supporters Chapter: Washington County FFA Alumni and Supporters (Central Region)
The Washington County FFA Alumni and Supporters chapter serves as a model for business operations, alumni and supporter member development, advocacy, student development, agricultural education, and FFA program development. The chapter identified the need to send FFA members to leadership conferences and conventions, as well as provide college scholarships. To address this need, they organized an auction of donated items which involved FFA members, alumni, business owners, and the community. The auction helped raise over $41,000, which funded opportunities for 62 members, five $500 SAE grants, and three $2,000 scholarships. Additionally, the chapter facilitated the placement of 20 students in year-round SAE jobs at businesses owned by the alumni and supporter members. So far, these students have collectively invested more than 10,000 hours in gaining real-world experience in their areas of interest.
STATE WINNER
Outstanding FFA Alumni and Supporters State Association Awards: Wisconsin FFA Alumni and Supporters (Central Region)
The Wisconsin FFA Alumni and Supporters are highly active in providing year-round support to students and teachers. Sectional representatives play a vital role in maintaining chapters by organizing two informational sectional meetings annually. The association has sponsored 16 students to participate in the Washington Leadership Conference with a total scholarship donation of $9,600. During the alumni state convention, local chapters submit award applications for their local agriculture teacher to be recognized and receive an award. At the 2024 Alumni Convention, 11 Outstanding Agriculture Educators were honored, and $600 in cash prizes were awarded.
ACHIEVEMENT WINNERS
Cheryl Steinbach, Granton FFA Alumni and Supporters chapter, Wisconsin
Steinbach brings three decades of dedicated service to agricultural education. As a lifetime member, her efforts have established invaluable partnerships between Granton FFA Alumni and local businesses, resulting in generous donations and widespread support for FFA chapters across the state. Notably, she established the Francis Steiner Memorial Bowling Tournament, which for the last 12 years has brought in several thousands of dollars to the alumni and supporters chapter. She recently concluded her impactful tenure as the Executive Director for Wisconsin FFA Alumni and Supporters. Cheryl actively participates in national calls, conducts engaging virtual workshops, and provides invaluable mentorship to fellow educators. Her tireless dedication to expanding and sustaining agricultural education programs in Wisconsin has left an indelible mark on numerous FFA activities and events, inspiring positive change and growth.
Tim Zenger, Washington County FFA Alumni and Supporters chapter, Kansas
Zenger has made a significant impact on the FFA at all levels. His strong community relationships and increased fundraising efforts helped grow his local chapter fundraising auction from a $8-10,000 annual fundraiser when he joined the council to a record $45,000 event in 2023. Tim’s efforts have led to a substantial increase in FFA Alumni membership and the establishment of various membership incentive programs. His excellent community outreach, active involvement in fundraising and scholarship programs, and dedication to various FFA activities have been instrumental in supporting the FFA chapter and advisors. Tim’s leadership has not only transformed the Washington County FFA Alumni and Supporters chapter but has also had a ripple effect on the entire FFA community in Kansas.
Fred Troendle, St. Charles FFA Alumni and Supporters chapter, Minnesota
Troendle has played a pivotal role in numerous impactful projects. He was instrumental in co-founding the President’s Circle Leadership Program (PLC), which successfully secured an impressive $30,000 in donations, as well as recruiting and empowering over 120 alumni leaders statewide. His deep commitment to advocacy, particularly in engaging with administrators and school officials, is shown through his role as the co-chair of the “Bring Your Administrator to State Convention” committee. Troendle’s unwavering dedication is further demonstrated through his ongoing volunteer work, providing invaluable coaching and mentorship to FFA members not only in his local chapter but also in neighboring chapters.
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,027,200 student members as part of 9,235 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
