Senior Lillee Shull, member of Newport FFA, competed this year to be a Star Farmer. To be eligible for this distinction, students must complete a record book of all their past projects and activities. These entries can then be entered into various contests. Students are also considered for their Keystone Degrees and Area Degrees through this portfolio.
A Keystone Degree has three main areas of requirements. Eligible students must be a Junior or Senior and have been an active member for 24 months. They must also have their Chapter degree. They need to have made at least $1,000 and worked 300 hours. Finally, they must have 25 hours of community service and complete 10 chapter activities. Five of those must be above the chapter level. The Area Degree is half of what the Keystone Degree is.
In Shull’s record book, she noted her experience with rabbits, market steer, and market lamb. She also described the various activities and conferences she has participated in with FFA in the past. After all the Pennsylvania State FFA Organization reached its decision, the group named Shull the South Central Region Star Farmer. Shull said, “It is very exciting and very rewarding for all the hard work I do.” Shull now moves on in the competition to be considered for Pennsylvania Star Farmer.
Seniors Lillian Plank and Shull will also be receiving Keystone Degrees. Juniors Josalyn Cook, Kylah Conrad, Evan Fleisher, Adison Geer, Emmaly Plank, and Gracyn Shutt will all be receiving their Area Degree. The Keystone degree will be presented at the Pennsylvania Farm Show on Jan. 8.
