MEYERSDALE - The Meyersdale FFA Chapter is pleased to announce five members were recently awarded Keystone Degrees. Madison Dively, Hannah Emerick, Maddie Engle, Addisyn Hetz and Alexis Mostoller received their Keystone degrees at the Pennsylvania FFA Mid-Winter Convention, held in conjunction with the 107th annual Pennsylvania Farm Show, held January 9.  These five outstanding students were among 410 students to receive the highest degree awarded by the Pennsylvania FFA. 

The theme of this year’s convention was “Unwritten,” but based on the outstanding work of these students, their futures are far from “unwritten.”

Earning a Keystone Degree is an arduous task, requiring years of careful planning and participation. The state FFA degree, called the Keystone in Pennsylvania, is the highest degree that can be bestowed on an FFA member at the state level. Recipients of the Keystone Degree are considered to be the top members of the Pennsylvania FFA Association, and are chosen through extensive records of supervised agricultural experiences submitted by the applicant. Applicants must also meet a number of other requirements, including academic record. Applications are reviewed by a local committee before being sent for final verification from a state committee.

Attaining this goal requires up to four years of effort, through leadership development, SAE involvement, and participation in FFA activities both in school and in the community. These outstanding Red Raiders now join the elite ranks of just four percent of Pennsylvania FFA members to qualify for this honor.

“This is such an important achievement for our members and demonstrates their dedication to the program and their respective projects,” explained Doreen Jamison, MAHS FFA Advisor. 

Dively, who serves as the MAHS FFA President, said receiving her degree was truly a dream realized.

“I have dreamed of and worked for this since I was in eighth grade and received my FFA jacket. It was just amazing to walk across the stage and get my degree with my fellow members, family and friends watching,” she explained. 

Dively said she is honored to represent the organization, her community and chapter and is excited to see what the future holds for the Meyersdale FFA Chapter and its members. 

“I am so proud of our members and all the work that they do,” Dively added. 

Maddie Engle serves as MAHS FFA Vice-President; Alexis Mostoller is 2nd Vice President; Addisyn Hetz is 3rd Vice President; and Hannah Emerick serves as Chaplain.

Congratulations to each of these special young ladies for their outstanding efforts!