Members of the Peotone FFA chapter attended the 96th annual Illinois State FFA Convention June 11-13, along with more than 5,000 other FFA members, advisors, and guests. With a theme of “United as One,” 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 Peotone FFA chapter.
Major State FFA Officer Candidate: Mark Jones II is one-of-10 candidate finalists for a 2024-2025 Major State Officer position with the Illinois Association FFA. The elections were scheduled for Thursday, June 13.
Illinois State FFA Degree: Emma Bialko, William Bialko, Reese Parker, Quinn Pollak, Bryce Thomas, and Kaylee Traub 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, with less than two percent of members statewide earning this prestigious recognition.
American FFA Degree: Isabella Johnson was recognized for earning the highest degree achievable in the National FFA Organization. The 2024 American FFA Degrees officially will be conferred at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis in October and recognizes the most dedicated members in the country, who demonstrated excellence with their supervised agricultural experience, provided outstanding leadership and community service, and earned scholastic achievement throughout their FFA career.
Strengthening Agriculture National Chapter Award Section Winner: As part of the National Chapter Award program and the chapter’s program of activities, Strengthening Agriculture is designed to encourage opportunities and service for members, such as promoting increased member participation and financial responsibility, creating a positive image, and interacting with support groups and cooperatives through organized activities. Farm Credit Illinois is the statewide sponsor of the Strengthening Agriculture National Chapter Award.
Equine Science Placement State Proficiency Winner: Emma Bialko was selected as the State FFA Proficiency Winner in Equine Science – Placement. Emma is the daughter of Michael and Amy Bialko and is a member of the Peotone FFA Chapter, advised by Dakota Cowger and Abby Jacobs-Cowger. For her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), Emma works at three equestrian facilities in Will and Kankakee Counties – Winsom Farm, Westgate Equestrian, and Sunrise Farm. At each facility, she has daily and long-term horse care duties. Daily horse chores include feeding, cleaning, and turnout. Emma has gained new roles in administering medication, training horses for their respective discipline, managing public horse shows, and handling the facilities’ day-to-day operations.
State Star in Agricultural Placement Finalist – District 2: Emma Bialko also was selected as the 2024 District 2 State Star in Agricultural Placement.
Students at the convention were greeted with activities, which included 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 Western Region Vice President Emily Gossett of New Mexico, as well as from each of the retiring major state officers.