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On Friday January 22nd the Grand Canyon FFA chapter recognized members that received their first year FFA jacket from the Pennsylvania FFA Alumni or the Tioga County FFA Alumni as well as those that received their Keystone FFA Degree from the Pennsylvania FFA Association. These members would have traditionally been recognized at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg in early January, however since the Farm Show was cancelled this year, the chapter decided to recognize their members at their January FFA meeting. Members met socially distanced in the high school auditorium for the event.

Members that received their FFA jacket had to write an essay explaining what the FFA jacket meant to them, and what their goals were in the FFA. They competed against other FFA members around the state to be selected as a jacket recipient. This memorable experience is one that members often think of throughout their FFA careers and helps to propel them forward and believe in themselves as they reach for more goals in the FFA and beyond. This year, members that received their FFA jacket from the state FFA alumni included Jeremiah Hines, Trever Ash, Jace Wheatley, Jordan Costley, William Brooks, Grace Harlan, Hannah Robinson, and Ethan West. Members that received their FFA jacket from the Tioga County FFA Alumni included Emily Richardson, Gretta Tubbs, and McKenzie Smith.

The other set of members that were recognized at the meeting were the Keystone FFA Degree recipients. These members were seniors or graduates that had been involved in FFA activities throughout high school. Members that achieve the Keystone FFA Degree have to work 300 hours or earn $1,000 in their Supervised Agricultural Experience project. They have to complete at least 25 hours of community service, be a leader in their ffa chapter, participate in activities above the chapter FFA level, and have a satisfactory scholastic record. Members that received their Keystone FFA Degree at the ceremony included Alexis Banik, Sarah Foreman, Makayla Holleran, Allyson Brostrom, Michael Avery, Joseph VanDergrift, Annie Root and graduate, Rayann Pierce.

The ceremony was a great success and the chapter was excited to celebrate both the new members just starting out as well as those that were completing their FFA careers. Members look forward to slowly being allowed to participate in activities again and in future opportunities to zip up their jackets and represent the blue and gold.