SFA agriculture students receive national award

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Zoé Smiley, a Corrigan junior pre-veterinary medicine major, and Laken Read, a Chester sophomore agriculture development major at Stephen F. Austin State University, are recipients of the 2016 Future Farmers of America American Degree, recognized as one of the organization’s highest honors.

Less than one percent of FFA members receive the honor, which celebrates members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to the organization, as well as significant accomplishments in agricultural education.

To be eligible for consideration, members must fulfill a number of requirements, which include a proven record of leadership and community involvement, submitting records substantiating outstanding supervised agricultural experiences and participation in at least 50 hours of community service.

“It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to get this award, and considering less than one percent of students involved in the program receive it, it is a tremendous honor,” Smiley said.

Smiley has been an FFA member for seven years. In addition to her commitment to FFA, she also is a member of Zeta Tau Alpha and the SFA Livestock Judging Team.

Read has been involved in FFA for 12 years and plans to pursue a career as an agriculture teacher to share her passion with future generations.