SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Rochelle FFA chapter attended the 96th annual Illinois State FFA Convention June 11-13 along with more than 5,000 other FFA members, advisors, and guests. With a 2024 theme of “United As One,” the three-day event annually recognizes achievements of Illinois FFA members, elects the major state officer team, and celebrates agriculture. 

During the convention, the following awards were presented to the Rochelle FFA chapter.

Illinois State FFA Degree: Emily Lovett was conferred with the State FFA Degree by the Illinois Association for meeting all requirements including productive financial investments and earnings in a supervised agricultural experience and FFA participation, leadership, and academic excellence. The State FFA Degree is the highest achievement an FFA member can achieve in Illinois; less than two percent of members statewide earn this prestigious recognition.

Growing Leaders National Chapter Award Section Winner:  As part of the National Chapter Award program and the chapter's program of activities, Growing Leaders is designed to encourage the chapter to develop individual and cooperative activities to enhance students' life skills. The University of Illinois College of ACES is the statewide sponsor of the Growing Leaders National Chapter Award.

Strengthening Agriculture National Chapter Award Section Winner:  As part of the National Chapter Award program and the chapter's program of activities, Strengthening Agriculture is designed to encourage opportunities and service for members, such as promoting increased member participation and financial responsibility, creating a positive image, and interacting with support groups and cooperatives through organized activities. Farm Credit Illinois is the statewide sponsor of the Strengthening Agriculture National Chapter Award.

Equine Science Entrepreneurship State Proficiency Winner: Megan Seebach was selected as the State FFA Proficiency winner in Equine Science – Entrepreneurship. Megan is the daughter of Jim Seebach and Amie McDermott. She is a member of the Rochelle FFA Chapter, advised by Deanna Jacobs and Donna Page. Keeping a record book for her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) has given Megan the opportunity to showcase her passion for horses, particularly competing at rodeos with her two horses, Trigger and Kody. Megan is excited to continue this passion on the rodeo team at Kansas State University.

State Premier Chapter Award Section Winner & National Chapter Award Finalist:  The State Premier Chapter Award is given to the chapter in the section with the highest overall score on the National Chapter Award application. The Illinois Farm Bureau Family of Companies Youth Education in Agriculture Committee sponsors the State Premier Chapter Awards. The chapter was also named a National Chapter Award Finalist and will compete at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis this fall.

Students at the convention were greeted with activities including a career fair featuring colleges and agribusinesses and an opportunity to engage in the history of Illinois’ capital city. The sessions featured addresses by National FFA Western Region Vice President Emily Gossett of New Mexico and from each of the retiring major state officers.