GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida FFA Association selected four student members as finalists for the highly coveted Star Discovery Degree, within the “Stars of Florida” award recognition program. This program symbolizes the highest competitive recognition for FFA members and their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program(s). Finalist shared their SAE’s virtually and a winner was named.
The Florida FFA Association is pleased to announce the 2020 State Sar Discover Degree winner:
Johanna Heijkoop-South Sumter Middle FFA
Johanna Heijkoop has a diversified SAE project, which includes: Dairy placement and entrepreneurship and Market Lamb, steer and swine. The main emphasis is on the Dairy portions of her SAE. Growing up on a dairy has allowed her to be immersed into her project. Heijkoop says, “I have grown up on the farm helping feed calves, bring up cows, wash down floors, and count hay bales. I bought my first Jersey heifer at age 5 and began following in my siblings’ footsteps raising replacement heifers and showing the higher quality heifers. Over the years, my Jersey herd has grown in numbers, and I have had the opportunity to sell some animals to other youth as project animals. I have also diversified my project interests and have raised three market lambs, a market steer, and two market hogs. The hours I work at the farm and the profit from the sale of replacement heifers in my name are included in an non-cash agreement with Milk-A-Way Dairy, Inc in exchange for feed and health care expenses of other show animals.” She is a member of the South Sumter Middle FFA Chapter, and her advisor is Rebecca Barnes. Congratulations Johanna on being names the 2020 State Star Discovery Degree Winner!
ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA CELEBRATION
Extraordinary times lead extraordinary people to do extraordinary things. This summer, thousands of FFA members, advisors, administrators, alumni, parents and industry partners will gather online in a new, exciting, and innovative experience to celebrate another record-breaking year. More than ever, our viewers will be inspired and motivated to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and become leaders of the next generation.
During the celebration, FFA members and guests will experience motivational speakers and award presentations while virtually meeting Florida FFA’s outstanding officers, members, and supporters.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA ASSOCIATION
The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with nearly 30,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state. FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
The Florida FFA Association is a resource and support organization that does not select, control, supervise or approve local chapter or individual member activities except as expressly provided for in the Florida FFA Association Constitution and Bylaws.
The Florida FFA Association affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and seeks diversity in its membership, leadership and staff as an equal opportunity employer.
THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION MISSION
Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resource systems.
THE FFA MISSION
FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
For more information about Florida FFA and agricultural education, visit floridaffa.org.
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