Bialko receives Gold Ranking in 2024 National FFA Agricultural Proficiency Awards.
Emma Bialko, of the Peotone FFA Chapter in Peotone, has received a Gold Ranking this year for the Equine Science Placement Agricultural Proficiency Award. Only nine FFA members nationwide were selected as Gold Ranking or higher in this proficiency award area.
Agricultural Proficiency Awards honor FFA members who, through supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs), have developed specialized skills they can apply toward their future careers. Students compete in areas ranging from agricultural communications to wildlife management. Proficiency awards also are recognized at local and state levels and provide recognition to members exploring and becoming established in agricultural career pathways.
Emma was recognized as the Section, District, and Illinois FFA award winner in this area in June 2024. She is the daughter of Michael and Amy Bialko, of Peotone, and a 2024 graduate of Peotone High School, where Abby Jacobs-Cowger and Dakota Cowger are the FFA advisors. Emma’s records reflect work at three different equine facilities in Will and Kankakee Counties.
This award is supported by Merck Animal Health, Cargill Protein, Elanco Animal Health, New Holland, Tractor Supply Company, U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, Zoetis, Indiana Farm Bureau and Farm Bureau Insurance, and Phibro Animal Health Corporation.
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,027,200 student members, as part of 9,235 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.