Turlock Christian was well represented at the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana on Nov. 4, as a pair of past chapter members, Ian McFarlane and Ben Bylsma, were recognized for their efforts.

McFarlane was honored with the prestigious American FFA Degree award, which is bestowed upon a select group of students in recognition of their years of academic and professional excellence. Meanwhile, Bylsma, the former Turlock Christian FFA Chapter president, served as a National FFA Delegate for the California FFA Association.

“Receiving my American Degree was such an amazing moment that meant so much to me, where I was able to reflect on the accomplishments that were made and the incredibly supportive people who helped me get there,” McFarlane said. “I’m so thankful for those who pushed me to do better than I ever thought I could.”

The award recognizes demonstrated ability and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing or service programs. Less than one percent of FFA members achieve the American FFA Degree. Each recipient of the American FFA Degree receives a gold American FFA Degree key and certificate after being recognized at the national convention.

To be eligible, FFA members must have earned at least $10,000 or earned at least $2,000 and worked at least 2,250 hours outside of class time through a supervised agricultural experience program in which they own their own business, hold a professional position as an employee or conduct research. Recipients must also complete 50 hours of community service and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement through completion of a long list of FFA and community activities. 

As for Bylsma, he was selected as one of the 43 California delegates to join over 400 other student delegates at the National FFA Convention. He served on a committee where he discussed potential solutions and improvements to support the advancement of the National FFA Organizations. 

“Being a National FFA Delegate was an amazing experience to be a part of and I was honored to be selected to serve as one of 43 delegates from California FFA,” Bylsma said. “During the National FFA Convention, I got the opportunity to work with other delegates from across the country and hear diverse perspectives concerning FFA.”

Bylsma is Turlock Christian’s second student selected to serve as a delegate, joining Case De Jong, who served last year.