The Ellsworth Jr./Sr.

High School FFA chapter has been recognized for the ninth consecutive year as a 3-Star Chapter in the National FFA Organization’s National Chapter Award Program. They were one of 14 Kansas FFA chapters to earn the award. Chapters can earn a 3-, 2-, or 1-Star rating, with 3-Star being the highest award.

“The 3-Star Award signifies that Ellsworth FFA is in the top 1 percent of all FFA chapters in the nation,” adviser Karl Dawn Stover said.

Stover works with students in grades 7-12 in agriculture education and FFA, and has done so for 11 years.

“This is a tremendous honor and something students and the community should be proud of.

Our chapter creates opportunities for the membership, school and community to be involved in,” Stover said.

The chapter was recognized along with other chapters from across the nation during judging at the 95th National FFA Convention & Expo Oct. 28 at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Ind.

“Members work really hard to make all the events happen. It comes down to student involvement to make the magic work,” Stover said. “Students get involved in many different items from contests, fundraising, community service, career knowledge and leadership. It is a student’s choice in what they want to do and be involved with.

Students enjoy the many options they have to learn and be involved.”

The program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters from throughout the country that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. These chapters improve chapter operations using the National Quality FFA Chapter Standards and a Program of Activities that emphasizes growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership.

“We have so many great supporters for the FFA chapter.

This year we have gotten the opportunity to do so many community service events like painting for the VFW, trick-or-canning for the food bank, raising over $1,000 for the Ellsworth County Cancer Fund, making gifts for the Good Sam’s and more,” Stover said. “We appreciate the community and allowing members the chance to be involved. This teaches skills about workmanship, community involvement and communication.

“Hard work will take you far.

Put in the hours and you will see success in your life.

Sometimes the success isn’t what you initially envisioned, but sometimes it is better than expected. I encourage people to get involved in the different community-wide events that the FFA offers and take a chance to volunteer in our wonderful town.”

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 735,000 student members as part of 8,817 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.