We have something new here at Paoli this year: the FFA State Degree, also known as the Hoosier State Degree.

“The Hoosier Degree is the highest degree an FFA member can achieve from the State Association and requires commitment and hard work to attain, but you don’t have to be a gifted student or live on a farm or ranch to reach this goal,” says Agriculture teacher Samantha Goen.

Students must be a junior or senior to get the degree.

Some students who have already applied include sophomore Graydan Padgett and juniors Gracielynn McKibbon, Heidi Hickman, and Billy Bob Apple. Sophomores in the program can also receive the state degree award.

Students who have applied will receive their awards at the National FFA State Convention in June of this year.

“The Hoosier Degree Application should reflect the member’s agriculture education experience at the point of application. Adding additional events and activities beyond the minimum qualification is highly encouraged,” said Goen.

One FFA member who is working toward the degree is junior Billy Bob Apple.

“My process with the State degree is logging every hour of community service I’ve completed in the last year or so, including community service things such as service day activities. The state degree is something I’ve always wanted to achieve in my FFA high school career. Getting the degree would mean a lot to me because it is a huge achievement considering all of the hard work I’ve put into the FFA program since eighth-grade,” said Apple.

If you have been an FFA member for two or more years and are interested in this award, you must apply in January.