Jerseyville FFA honored at State Convention
Erin Federle and Lauren Towell. (Submitted photo)
Members of the Jerseyville FFA chapter attended the 98th annual Illinois State FFA Convention June 9-11 along with more than 5,000 other FFA members, advisors, and guests. With a 2026 theme of “Sparking Your Future,” the three-day event recognizes achievements of Illinois FFA members, elects the major state officer team, and celebrates agriculture.
During the convention, the following awards were presented to the Jerseyville FFA chapter with the photo captured in the Farm Credit Newsroom:
American FFA Degree: Caitlyn Poletti and Clay Wadlow were recognized for earning the highest degree achievable in the National FFA Organization. The 2026 American FFA Degrees will be officially conferred at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis in October and recognizes the most dedicated members in the country who demonstrated excellence with their supervised agricultural experience, provided outstanding leadership and community service, and earned scholastic achievement throughout their FFA career.
Illinois State FFA Degree: Mary Jones 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.
Foundation $4,000 Club Award: The chapter was recognized for coordinating a local campaign for the Illinois Foundation FFA which raised at least $4,000.
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 Central Region Vice President Claire Woeppel, of Nebraska, and from each of the retiring major state officers.
