Pecatonica FFA honored at state convention

Last week, the Pec FFA Chapter wrapped up their three-day trip to the 95th Annual Illinois State FFA Convention. They had a few students receive awards and their Greenhand quiz bowl team also competed. Gold Chapter President Award: Emily Allison. Silver Chapter Reporter Award: Emma Daly. State Degrees: Emily Allison, Holly Daly, and Madison Morton.

Members of the Pecatonica FFA chapter ended the 95th annual Illinois State FFA Convention June 13-15 along with more than 5,000 other FFA members, advisors, and guests.

With a 2023 theme of “Electrify,” the three-day event annually recognizes achievements of Illinois FFA members, elects the major state officer team, and celebrates agriculture.

During the convention, the following awards were presented to the Pecatonica FFA:

Illinois State FFA Degree: Emily Allison, Holly Daly, & Madison Morton were conferred with State FFA Degrees by the Illinois Association for meeting all requirements including productive financial investments and earnings in a supervised agricultural experience and FFA participation, leadership, and academic excellence. The State FFA Degree is the highest achievement an FFA member can achieve in Illinois; less than two percent of members statewide earn this prestigious recognition. These were the first state degree recipients from Pecatonica in over 25 years!

Chapter President Award:

Emily Allison was recognized as a Gold Chapter President in the State of Illinois at the State FFA Convention. Only 25 individuals received either a Top 10, Gold, Silver, or Bronze ranking in over 350 chapters in the state.

Chapter Reporter Award:

Emma Daly was recognized as a Silver Chapter Reporter in the State of Illinois at the State FFA Convention. Only 25 individuals received either a Top 10, Gold, Silver, or Bronze ranking in over 350 chapters in the state.

Greenhand Quizbowl Team

The Greenhand Quizbowl team competed at the State level while at State Convention. They had to answer FFA Trivia based questions and competed against 24 other teams. They did great, but did not advance to the final round.

The team was made up of Cailyn Shippy, Bri Carden, Sammy Abate, Adelyn Howald, and Chase Stender. Students at the convention were greeted with activities including a career fair featuring colleges and agribusinesses and an opportunity to engage in the history of Illinois’ capital city.

The sessions featured addresses by National FFA Eastern Region Vice President Gracie Murphy, of Illinois, and from each of the retiring major state officers.