Members of the Woodlawn FFA chapter attended the 95th annual Illinois State FFA Convention June 13-15 along with more than 5,000 other FFA members, advisors, and guests. With a 2023 theme of “Electrify,” the three-day event annually recognizes achievements of Illinois FFA members, elects the major state officer team, and celebrates agriculture.
During the convention, the following awards were presented to Woodlawn FFA members:
Illinois State FFA Degree: Quaid Odum was conferred with the State FFA Degree by the Illinois Association for meeting all requirements including productive financial investments and earnings in a supervised agricultural experience and FFA participation, leadership, and academic excellence. The State FFA Degree is the highest achievement an FFA member can achieve in Illinois; less than 2% of members statewide earn this prestigious recognition.
Sam Taylor Memorial Scholarship Recipient: Rhett Ellis was selected as one of seven 2023 recipients of this statewide memorial scholarship. He received a $2,000 award. Established by the Taylor family in memory of Sam Taylor, the 1991-92 State FFA President, the scholarship is available to a graduating high school senior who is an Illinois FFA member planning to major in agriculture, a student enrolled in an agriculture program leading to a degree in agriculture, or a student enrolled in agriculture at a two or four year college. Students majoring in agricultural education or animal science receive first consideration. The scholarship is administered by the Illinois Foundation FFA.
Students at the convention were greeted with activities including a career fair featuring colleges and agribusinesses and an opportunity to engage in the history of Illinois’ capital city. The sessions featured addresses by National FFA Eastern Region Vice President Gracie Murphy, of Illinois, and from each of the retiring major state officers.
Pictured are Rhett Ellis and Mrs. Sheila Burton, Sam Taylor Memorial Scholarship donor and Sam Taylor’s mother.
