Two individuals from Hastings were recognized with the highest honors awarded by the National FFA Organization during the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo late last month in Indianapolis.
Kaylie Carl, a member of the Hastings FFA Chapter, received her American FFA Degree, the highest degree achievable in the National FFA Organization. This honor is earned by less than 1 percent of FFA members nationwide.
The degree recognizes members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to FFA and made significant accomplishments in their supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs), leadership development, and community service.
Carl has been an active FFA member for nine years, participating in leadership contests, community events, and running for state office. Her SAE focused on diversified livestock production, where she raised and exhibited market lambs, dairy feeders, and a beef steer through her Hill n Dale 4-H Club. Beyond her projects, she has given back to the program by coaching, mentoring younger members, and staying involved with the Hastings FFA Chapter after graduation.
Receiving her American Degree was a meaningful milestone for Carl. It marked the last time she would wear her blue corduroy FFA jacket.
For Carl, FFA has always been more than an organization; it’s a family legacy. She is a third-generation FFA member, following in the footsteps of her family’s deep involvement in agriculture and agricultural education. Continuing that legacy, she hopes to one day become an agriculture teacher herself.
To earn the American Degree, FFA members must have received both their State and Chapter Degrees, invested and earned substantial income through their SAEs, completed at least 50 hours of community service while demonstrating outstanding leadership abilities. Carl’s dedication to agricultural education, her community, and helping others grow in the FFA organization helped her meet and exceed these requirements.
Spencer White of Hastings Area Schools also received the Honorary American FFA Degree. This award is presented to individuals who have provided exceptional service to agriculture, agricultural education, and the FFA organization. Recipients are nominated in recognition of their dedication, leadership, and significant contributions to FFA’s mission of developing students’ potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.
White serves as the National FFA Band Director, leading student musicians from across the country who perform during sessions and events at the National FFA Convention. His commitment to agricultural education and student leadership through music has made a lasting impact on the National FFA Band and the members he directs each year.
Both Carl and White represented Hastings with pride as they were honored on the national stage, exemplifying dedication, leadership, and a continued commitment to the values of the FFA.