The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

DAYTON-Several members of the Dayton's National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America) excelled at both local and state-level Career Development Events (CDE's) in the 2019-20 school year.

There are five degrees that an FFA member may earn. The degrees, which can be awarded as early as 7th grade, recognize member growth within the organization.

This year, Dayton had two members, Nolan Korslund and Mason Garcia, earn their Discovery Degree. The Discovery Degree, which is awarded to students in 7th or 8th grade who are enrolled in agriculture classes and have paid their FFA dues.

There were 14 members who earned their Greenhand Degree this year. To earn the Greenhand Degree, FFA members must be enrolled in an agriculture class, have plans for a Supervised Agriculture Event (SAE), and demonstrate an understanding of the FFA and its history, as well as understanding the FFA Creed.

The Chapter Degree is awarded to students who have earned their Greenhand degree, as well as demonstrated an understanding of parliamentary procedure and have led a 15-minute discussion on agricultural topics. Members must also participate in events above the chapter level. Dayton FFA awarded seven Chapter Degrees this year.

Five members of the Dayton FFA Chapter earned their State Degree this year. To be eligible for a state degree, members must have been a dues-paying member for at least two years prior to application, have a satisfactory SAE that meets time and financial requirements, participate in a variety of activities above the chapter level, and demonstrate leadership skills. Less than two percent of Washington FFA members earn their State Degree.

The final degree that an FFA member can earn is the American Degree, which is awarded to less than one percent of National FFA Organization members. The American Degree is awarded to active FFA members who have earned their State Degree who are maintaining a satisfactory SAE complete with detailed records that continue on after graduating high school. Ben White, Kaleigh White, and Tatumn Laughery all received their American Degree this year.

Members participated in more than 10 CDE's this year, ranging from livestock judging to Creed speaking.

Dayton FFA even welcomed a cat showman, Quintin Rapoza, to their team this year.

Kaylene Slack was recognized as the Star Greenhand. Slack excelled in her FFA projects over the year, with advisor Kristina Knebel saying that Slack was so involved with the organization, it was easy to forget that she was a first-year member.

Sadie Seney was selected as the Rising Star. Knebel said that Seney has demonstrated leadership potential within the organization and has worked very hard to better herself and helped encourage other members in the FFA.

The Blue and Gold award was given to Josiah White. The Blue and Gold award is given to members who embody the FFA ideals: Premier leadership, personal.

The Outstanding Senior award went to Tayven Seney. Seney dedicated years to the organization as a chapter officer, serving as both vice president and president. Knebel said that Seney has shown time and time again the leadership skills and effort needed to make Dayton FFA successful over the years.

The officer team for the 2020-21 year will be elected in the Fall.