Alumni and members of Garden Spot FFA at Lampeter-Strasburg High School were recently honored with the American Degree, the Keystone Degree, and FFA Jacket Scholarships.
Leah Welk and Jordan Martin, both 2019 graduates of Lampeter-Strasburg, earned the American Degree, the highest achievable award in the National FFA Organization. To receive this accolade, individuals must demonstrate a strong work ethic, passion for their organization, outstanding leadership abilities and promise for the future. Welk and Martin were recognized for going above and beyond to promote agriculture, foster relationships with the community and achieve excellence.
Welk worked on many supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs) over the years, including raising lambs, goats, and hogs. She also spent many hours working on her family farm in Strasburg. She currently attends Penn State University, double majoring in agricultural science and advertising/public relations with minors in leadership development and digital media trends and analytics. After college, Welk plans to work in communications, social media, or public relations within the agriculture industry. She noted that several generations of her family have been involved with FFA.
Martin's SAE projects during his time in Garden Spot FFA included raising layer chickens, show pigs, and show steers, as well as working as a dairy hand and farm hand. Since graduating, Martin has been working for an auction company and working toward getting his auctioneer license.
The Keystone Degree is the highest degree an FFA member can receive at the state level in Pennsylvania. Garden Spot FFA's recent recipients are senior members Gwenn Spotts, James "Alec" Wagner, and Jeslyn Krebs.
Spotts has participated in an on-farm placement project with Carmar Farm, competed at the state level in the Small Gas Engine CDE, and served her chapter as reporter. She said that her favorite FFA activity was attending the 2019 National Convention and Expo in Indianapolis. Her future plans are to finish schooling at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology for metal fabrication and welding.
Wagner has participated in an on-farm placement project with Landis Dairy Farm, competed at the state level in the Agriculture Technology and Mechanical Systems CDE, and served his chapter as sentinel. He said his favorite FFA activity was attending Pennsylvania State FFA Conventions. Alec plans to pursue a career as a diesel mechanic and truck driver.
Krebs has participated in an on-farm placement project with Jim Groff Training Stables, competed at the national level in the Agricultural Issues CDE, and served her chapter as vice president and secretary. Her favorite FFA activity was attending the 2019 National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis. Krebs plans to attend Old Dominion University to major in pre-veterinary studies and play lacrosse.
Eight Lampeter-Strasburg students are first-year Jacket Scholarship winners. They are Aftin Feathers, Benjamin Cauler, Devin Miller-Baum, Dilyn Kemp, Jaclyn Martin, Lillie Weaver, Sarah Blount, and Sydney Albright. The FFA blue jacket is a symbol of community, and as a part of the FFA official dress, it is meant to instill a feeling of pride in those who wear it. First-year members can apply for the scholarship, with recipients receiving an official FFA jacket.
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