High school FFA students achieve prestige, earn degrees

MIDDLETOWN >> Middletown High School’s Agricultural Science/Future Farmers of America program is having a busy and successful late winter.

The widely acclaimed program, an integral part of MHS, draws students from central and southern Connecticut, according to a press release.

In February, five students participated in the local program’s prepared public speaking event and seniors Jessica Benn (of Guilford) and Melissa Hass (of Middletown) finished first and second respectively. Both advance to district competition later this month.

Ten students participated in the extemporaneous public speaking event. Junior Jessica Hart (of Middletown) and senior Jonathan Rosenblum (of Middletown) took first and second respectively and will advance to district competition later this month.

A freshman-only competition — the FFA creed speaking event — was also held in February. Some 10 freshmen participated and Katrina Blaszcynski (of Cromwell) and Amber Johnson (of East Hampton) finished in first and second place. They, too, advance to the district competition in March.

As students advance through the ag science program — they must take a full regular education program like every MHS student and meet full academic course loads in addition to agricultural courses — they are awarded various degrees of competence, according to the release. Like any student at MHS, agricultural students can participate in the school’s extensive extracurricular and athletic offerings.

Some 27 students, including 15 from Middletown, were awarded FFA Greenhand Degrees. There are extensive criteria for earning the degree, including having plans for a supervised agricultural experience, knowledge of, and expertise in, the FFA Creed, demonstrate a knowledge of the FFA Code of Ethics, show knowledge of the chapter’s constitution, bylaws and program of activities and the like, the release continues.

They must submit a written application to be considered for the honor.

Nineteen students, seven from Middletown, received the Chapter FFA Degree. To qualify the student must have a Greenhand Degree and advanced experiences and knowledge, including 180 hours of systematic school instruction in agricultural education and be enrolled in an agricultural course, earned and “productively” invested $150 through the member’s own effort, worked at least 45 hours in excess of scheduled class time, have involved themselves in the planning and conducting of at least three official functions in the chapter’s program of activities, have at least 10 hours of community service, and a satisfactory academic record, among other criteria, according to the press release.

These students must also submit a written application for the degree.

In addition to the 22 Middletown students awarded degrees, there were several from East Hampton, Cromwell, Rocky Hill, Guilford, Deep River, Killingworth, Haddam, East Haddam, Westbrook, Clinton and Durham who earned accolades.

Middle school students in the area interested in enrolling in the program at Middletown High may call 860704-4500 for information.