Seven Grant County High School FFA members have achieved one of the most distinguished honors in agricultural education — the American FFA Degree. Congratulations to Tucker Ammerman, Liza Simpson, Kendall Mullins, Logan Hollen, Lexi Hoehn, Drysten Daniel, and Kendall Clark.
This national recognition celebrates years of dedication, leadership, and hands-on experience through agricultural education and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects.
The American FFA Degree is the highest level of achievement within the National FFA Organization, representing less than one percent of FFA members nationwide. To qualify, members must maintain active FFA membership until at least age 21 and can apply up to their third National FFA Convention following graduation.
Earning this degree requires exceptional commitment. Candidates must demonstrate significant achievement in their SAEs, leadership, and community involvement. Specifically, members must:
Earn and invest at least $10,000 productively, or
Earn and invest $2,000 while working 2,250 hours beyond scheduled class time.
Additionally, recipients must maintain at least a “C” average, complete 50 hours of community service in three or more different activities, and demonstrate outstanding leadership and character.
This year’s accomplishment marks a major milestone for Grant County FFA. GCHS FFA co-advisor Erin Butler shared that the seven students receiving the American Degree in 2025 have doubled the school’s total number of recipients since the organization’s founding in 1928.
“We’re up to 13 total American Degree recipients from Grant County FFA now,” said Butler. “Arryanna Slaughter earned hers about five years ago and was the first one since I started at GCHS. To see seven students achieve this in one year is incredible.”
For Butler, this achievement represents more than just a number — it fulfills a vision years in the making.
“There are great young people and great families in our county who are so deserving of this top honor,” Butler shared. “Learning the national record-keeping system was challenging, but being able to help these members reach this goal has given me such pride. They’ve worked so hard, and seeing them recognized is deeply rewarding.”
Butler noted that while the timing of so many awards in one year was coincidental, the success came from consistent effort, communication, and the students’ determination.
“I just stayed in contact with them, had them come in to work on their applications, or coached them through it online,” Butler said. “They’re all so busy with school and preparing for their futures, but they made it happen.”
For students who hope to one day wear the coveted American Degree gold key, Butler’s advice is clear:
“Stay focused on servant leadership, set goals for your Supervised Agricultural Experience with your advisor’s help, and record everything as you go. You’ll never remember it all if you wait until the end to enter your hours and finances.”
This year’s recipients exemplify the values of hard work, leadership, and community service that define both FFA and Grant County High School. Their success reflects their dedication — and stands as a proud moment for the entire Grant County community.
Pictured Below Left to Right, Liza Simpson, Kendall Mullins, Tucker Ammerman, and Logan Hollen.