By Andi Anderson
During the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, seven students were honored with the prestigious National FFA Agricultural Proficiency Awards, recognizing their specialized skills developed through Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs).
Among the winners was Ohio’s own Gracie Sprague, celebrated for her achievements in agricultural sales.
Sprague, a member of the Genoa-Penta FFA Chapter, has dedicated her SAE to selling supplements for eight livestock species, managing customer relations, inventory, and marketing on her own.
Her business has also allowed her to mentor young people interested in agriculture. Sprague’s accomplishments demonstrate her commitment to the agricultural industry and highlight Ohio's presence in the national FFA landscape.
The proficiency awards, given in 45 categories, provide students across the U.S. with recognition for excelling in fields from agriscience to agricultural communications.
Other winners include Titus Montgomery from Oklahoma, who produces a weekly radio program and podcast dedicated to agriculture; and Sophia Gomes from California, who aspires to be a middle school agriculture teacher and has gained experience through various internships and leadership roles.
The awards cover a wide range of agriculture-related areas. For example, Jack Schuster from Wisconsin was recognized in agricultural sales for his work at Ace Hardware, where he was promoted to assistant manager. In agriscience research, Oklahoma’s Trinity Blosch has conducted studies on food systems and water bioremediation, contributing valuable insights to her field.
The National FFA, a youth organization with over 1 million members, seeks to develop the next generation of agricultural leaders by offering students hands-on learning experiences.
The Agricultural Proficiency Awards play an essential role in this mission, helping students like Sprague and her peers establish themselves in agriculture.
Ohio’s representation through Sprague’s achievement reflects the dedication of young agricultural professionals in the state, and the award provides an inspiring example for other Ohio FFA members aiming for success in the field.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-poike
Categories: Ohio, General