INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The National FFA Organization announced recently that Sarah Jane Wheeldon of Schuyler was selected as a national finalist for the National FFA Proficiency Award in Turf Grass Management-Entrepreneurship/Placement. Wheeldon is one of only four people chosen to compete for this award at the national finals which were held in October during the FFA national convention in Indianapolis, Ind.

The proficiency awards recognize outstanding student achievement in agribusiness gained through establishment of a new business, working for an existing company or otherwise gaining hands-on career experience. The Turf Grass Management – Entrepreneurship/Placement Award is one of 47 proficiency program areas FFA members can participate in to develop valuable experience and leadership skills at the local, state and national levels.

Wheeldon, a member of the Schuyler FFA Chapter, became eligible for the national award after winning the Nebraska state FFA competition earlier this year.

This award is sponsored by John Deere, as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. In recognition of being a finalist, each of the four finalists will receive a plaque and a cash prize. The national winner of the Turf Grass Management – Entrepreneurship/Placement award will receive an additional $500 during a special ceremony at the national FFA Convention.

The National FFA Organization recently selected the Schuyler Central High School FFA Chapter of Schuyler, Nebraska as a Model of Innovation finalist for the National FFA Chapter Award program. The chapter members will attend the 81st National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind, Oct. 22-25, 2008, where they will be recognized for this honor and compete to be named as one of the tope three Models of Innovation chapters.

The Schuyler Central High School FFA Chapter is one of 30 finalists selected for a pool of more than 600 nationwide that will compete to be named as a Model of Innovation.

 

Top Model of Innovation chapters showcase those unique and innovative ideas and activities that the chapter sponsors throughout the year. As a national finalist, the chapter members and their POA will be featured in a book highlighting the best FFA chapters have to offer students. The award program is sponsored b Toyota as a special project of the National FFA Foundation.

The National FFA Organization, formerly know as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 500,823 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,358 local FFA chapters in all 50 states Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.