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Decatur’s Andreas Ag Academy honored at IL State FFA convention

Jun 15, 2023 | 5:46 PM

June 15, 2023 – Local chapters of the DPS61 Duane O. Andreas Ag Academy were honored this week a the 95th annual Illinois FFA Convention in Springfield.

15 FFA members from the MacArthur and Eisenhower FFA traveled to Springfield to join with more than 5,000 other FFA members, advisors, and guests from June 13-15. With a 2023 theme of “Electrify,” the three-day event annually recognizes the achievements of Illinois FFA members, elects the major state officer team, and celebrates agriculture.

During the conference, the MacArthur FFA won the State Food Science Award, and student Hannah Sullivan was recognized for being named the top individual in the state contest.  MacArthur was also recognized as a Gold-ranked chapter and Star Supporter of the FFA Foundation. In addition, Camden Dowers, Selena Gaona- Willis, and Jami Keck all received their State FFA Degrees- the highest degree available within the Organization. Camden Dowers also signed his letter of intent to pursue a career in agriculture education.

Eisenhower FFA was awarded the Growing Leaders National Chapter Award Winner and the Strengthening Agriculture National Chapter Award Winner. In addition, Eisenhower was recognized as an FFA Foundation Star, State Premier Chapter Award Section Winner, and National Award Chapter Finalist for Section 16. Section 16 encompasses Argenta, Farmer City, Clinton, Decatur, Edinburg, Macon, Warrensburg, Sullivan, Taylorville, Bethany, and Mt Zion. There are a total of 25 sections in Illinois.

During the conference, the 2023-2024 Illinois State Officer Team was elected. The officers were installed immediately following the election and will serve the Illinois Association FFA for the next twelve months. Those officers include Riley Kessler, secretary; Eric Wisely, vice president; Thaddeus Bergschneider, president; Benjamin Bremmer, treasurer; and Cooper Nelson, reporter.

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 Eastern Region Vice President Gracie Murphy of Illinois and from each of the retiring major state officers.

(Contributors: Ahsaan Spence and Isaiah Bradford)