Top FFA chapters recognized for leadership and impact

The 97th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis honored outstanding FFA chapters for their exceptional work in promoting leadership, agricultural education, and community engagement.

While all FFA chapters strive to be exemplary, some go above and beyond to showcase true FFA leadership. These chapters are named Model of Excellence chapters and showcase qualities in all categories of growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture.

Only 10 high school and five middle school chapters are chosen to hold this prestigious title, but just one high school and one middle school chapter can be named the overall national winner.

The Signal Knob Middle FFA Chapter from Virginia took home this year’s top honor.

Chapter Vice President Piper Dellinger came off the stage filled with excitement after receiving their award.

“I feel so great because I’ve seen a lot of work get put in during the year. It feels amazing to get that gifted back to us,” she said.

“I am incredibly proud,” added Signal Knob Middle FFA advisor Dakota Stroud. “We put a lot of work into our Program of Activities to ensure that it meets the needs of our students, school and community. And for our chapter to have this recognition is just amazing. It’s a testament to our members’ hard work.”

The chapter invited a representative from an agricultural AI technology firm to host a workshop, inspiring students to explore modern agriculture’s technological aspects.

They also held a “Spectacular Start Picnic” to build community connections, involving FFA members, their families, and local community organizations.

National Model of Excellence — Dixie FFA (Florida)

Dixie FFA of Florida was named the 2024 National Model of Excellence for its service-centered projects. Collaborating with local garden clubs, Dixie FFA members helped landscape their city hall with native plants, demonstrating sustainable land care practices. A total of 23 FFA members participated in the landscaping project, volunteering a total of 137 hours.

After Hurricane Idalia made landfall, causing power outages and property damage, the chapter partnered with a local barbecue restaurant to cook and serve over 300 chicken dinners. The dinners were provided for free to community members in need.

In addition to the Model of Excellence awards, the National FFA Organization’s premier awards program recognizes chapters excelling in three areas: growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture. 

Premier Chapter: Strengthening Agriculture — Beauregard FFA (Alabama)

During the sixth general session, Beauregard FFA of Alabama was awarded the title of 2024 Premier Chapter in the Strengthening Agriculture division. Beauregard FFA launched the “Inflation Station,” a community tire pressure check station where 75 FFA members assisted local residents with tire maintenance. This station educated the community on tire care, emphasizing safety and vehicle longevity.

Through their efforts, Beauregard FFA members demonstrated their commitment to agricultural education by offering practical, safety-oriented services to their community.

Premier Chapter: Building Communities — Felicity-Franklin FFA (Ohio)

Ohio’s Felicity-Franklin FFA received the 2024 Premier Chapter award in the Building Communities category for their “SURVIVOR WEEK: Creating Capable Cardinals” event. In this school-wide initiative, FFA members organized nine life skills stations, involving 137 students and 20 teachers in real-world activities designed to foster capable and confident citizens.

With hands-on challenges and an interactive relay race, the event underscored the chapter’s dedication to community-building through life skills education.

Premier Chapter: Growing Leaders — Cambridge FFA (Illinois)

Cambridge FFA of Illinois was awarded the Premier Chapter title in the Growing Leaders category for their “Día de la Agricultura” program, which introduced elementary students to Spanish through agriculture-themed storybooks. FFA members crafted storybooks and engaged students in bilingual activities, fostering both agricultural interest and cultural awareness.

This project concluded with a celebration, reinforcing the chapter’s focus on leadership and community.

The National Chapter Award Program highlights FFA chapters that embody FFA’s core values through innovative and impactful projects.

Each session’s awards were broadcast live on FFA’s digital platform, allowing supporters across the country to witness the achievements of these exceptional chapters. For more information on the program, visit FFA.org.