The Kewanee FFA chapter marked significant achievements at the 96th Illinois State FFA Convention, held from June 11th to June 13th in Springfield. Notable recognitions included Nolie Charlet as the State Runner Up in the Creed Speaking Leadership Development Event, and the chapter earning the title of 6th Premier Illinois FFA Chapter. The event drew over 6,000 attendees, celebrating student accomplishments and leadership in agriculture. With a 2024 theme of “United As One,” the three-day event annually recognizes the achievements of Illinois FFA members, elects the major state officer team, and celebrates agriculture.
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 Western Region Vice President Emily Gossett of New Mexico and from each of the retiring major state officers.
National Chapter Award Finalist: The chapter was named a National Chapter Award Finalist and will compete at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis this fall. The Kewanee FFA Chapter was named the 6th Premier Illinois FFA Chapter!
Illinois State FFA Creed Speaking Leadership Development Event: Nolie Charlet was named the State Runner-Up finishing 2nd among the Top 10 Creed Speakers from across the state. Nolie had to win out of our Section 3 and District 1 Creed contests to advance to the Top 10 in the state competing in Springfield.
Illinois State FFA Greenhand Quizbowl: Kelsey Scott, Isabella Guzman, Jackson Price, Nolie Charlet and Summer Simmons was named the State Runner-Up finishing 2nd among the Top 25 Greenhand Quizbowl teams from across the state.
American FFA Degree: Kyle Joos was recognized for earning the highest degree achievable in the National FFA Organization. The 2024 American FFA Degrees will be officially conferred at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis in October and recognize 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: Ashlynn Brose, Abigail DeSchepper, Emma Evans, Hannah Ince, and Joey Janey were conferred with State FFA Degrees by the Illinois Association for meeting all requirements, including productive financial investments and earnings in supervised agricultural experience, FFA participation, leadership, and academic excellence. The State FFA Degree is the highest achievement an FFA member can achieve in Illinois, and less than 2% of members statewide earn this prestigious recognition.
Illinois State FFA Degree: Hannah Ince
Illinois State FFA Degree: Emma Evans
Illinois State FFA Degree: Joey Janey
Illinois State FFA Degree: Abigail DeSchepper
Illinois State FFA Degree: Ashlynn Brose
Foundation $3,000 Club Award: The chapter was recognized for coordinating a local campaign with the Wethersfield FFA Chapter for the Illinois Foundation FFA, which raised at least $3,000. Collectively, the two chapters’ fundraising total was $3,466.02.
