Missouri FFA News Releases

Rachel Longan second place winner 2009 Missouri FFA Agricultural Education Entrepreneurship and Placement Combined Proficiency Award

COLUMBIA , Mo., April 18, 2009 – Rachel Longan, of the California FFA Chapter, California, Mo., was named second place winner of the FFA Agricultural Education Entrepreneurship and Placement Combined Proficiency Award at the 81^st Missouri FFA Convention.

Longan, a senior at California High School, is the daughter of Lee and Sharon Longan. Her FFA advisors are Lee Longan and Adam Bieri.

As an FFA member Longan has participated in many national, state and local FFA activities. In 2007 she placed sixth in state prepared public speaking. Longan is currently serving as the Area 8 president.

Longan promotes agriculture education for 4-H and FFA in her community by giving numerous presentations on the benefits of agriculture. Upon graduation, Longan plans to attend the University of Missouri pursuing a degree in agricultural education

Agricultural Education Entrepreneurship and Placement Combined proficiency award involves preparation, practice and training for individuals desiring to become agricultural education instructors. It is for students with Supervised Agricultural Experience programs related to education and extension, including, but not limited to: youth mentoring; agricultural education departmental assistants; Partners in Active Learning Support (PALS) mentors and student coordinators; students developing and conducting informational materials and presentations for civic organizations and school-aged youth; and students who are involved in SAE programs involved in educating the public about broad topics of agriculture, agricultural education and the FFA.

Proficiency awards recognize FFA members who excel as agricultural entrepreneurs, employees or volunteers while gaining hands-on career experience. Agricultural Education Entrepreneurship and Placement Combined is one of 47 proficiency awards presented at state level. The Missouri Vocational Agricultural Teachers Association sponsored this award.

The Missouri FFA has 24,410 members representing 317 chapters. The national organization has over 507,000 members representing 7,439 local chapters in 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands .

The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.