2025-2026 Auburn FFA Achievements Recognized

Sunday night, April 26, successes of the Auburn FFA chapter during the 2025-2026 school year were celebrated at the annual banquet.
Degrees were conferred on 17 members. 
Discovery: Blake Gerdes and Tucker Ryan. Intended for seventh and eighth graders who participate in organizational activities. 
Greenhand: Ella Ackley, Landry Allen, Macy DeBuhr, Sophie Falk, Emma Falk, Nash Gerdes and Veronica Housely. Ninth grade or older members who learn about the FFA history, mission, creed and emblem and make plans for an supervised agricultural experience (SAE). 
Chapter: Nash Crotty, Jocelyn Greedy, Alayna Helms, Aydan Smith and Lily Edwards. Top members of a local chapter. Requirements include having received the Greenhand Degree; satisfactorily complete 180 hours, or the equivalent of systematic school instruction in agricultural education at or above the ninth grade level and have an approved SAE in operation. 
State: Lily Edwards, Mia Gerdes and Hunter Stevenson. The highest degree the state association can bestow upon a member. It is awarded based upon the member’s comprehensive SAE. FFA members must submit two years of SAE record books, complete the state degree application and meet all minimum qualifications as well as pass an assessment.
Additional honors were announced.
Academic:  Stevenson, senior; Aca Andrew, junior; Caleb Cover and Alayna Helms, sophomore; Ella Ackley, freshman; Zoey Siegel, eighth grade and Miles Ockinga, seventh grade. Awarded to members with the highest cumulative grade point average in their respective grade.
Fundraising: Top five with number of items sold. Alayna Helms, 30 items; Landry Allen, 27 items; Sophie Falk, 20 items; and Blake Gerdes and Jeremiah Schlange, each 16 items.
Dedication: Students in each grade level meriting the most points. Senior, Stevenson, 475 points; junior, Aca Andrew, 390 points; sophomore, Greedy, 250 points; freshman, Emma Falk, 275 points; eighth grade, Tucker Ryan, 220 points; and seventh grade, Lilly Ackley and Wrenn Andrew, 200 points apiece.
Honorary membership was accorded to Tommy Grafton; and Wes and Katie DeBuhr.