Preston High School agricultural (ag) teacher Samantha Funk was selected to receive the Honorary American FFA Degree and received the honor during the FFA national convention earlier this month.
This award is given to those who advance agricultural education and FFA through outstanding personal commitment. The National FFA Organization works to enhance the lives of youth through agricultural education. According to the organization, “without the efforts of highly dedicated individuals, thousands of young people would not be able to achieve the success that, in turn, contributes directly to the overall well-being of the nation.” Funk added, “FFA gives students opportunities they may not get otherwise...and the students are my favorite part of teaching.”
Funk, a graduate of Preston High School, a previous FFA middle school adviser at Terra Alta East Preston, and now a PHS ag teacher for the past 5 years, said the honor “is one of the highest awards to receive in the FFA organization. I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet. I’ve worked really hard to get here and have often doubted myself along the way, but this [award] helps me to remember why I’m here.” Funk was nominated for the award by her peer WV ag teachers. To receive the award, nominees must first receive the honorary chapter award and then the honorary state award before being eligible to receive the national award. Funk and seven other WV ag teachers were nominated and received the award this year.
The national chapter describes the Honorary American FFA Degree as an opportunity to recognize those who have gone beyond valuable daily contributions to make an extraordinary long-term difference in the lives of students, inspiring confidence in a new generation of agriculturists.
Funk received the award during the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo, in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Friday, November 3, 2023. All recipients of the honor received a plaque and medal, and their names will be permanently recorded as recipients of the highest FFA honor.
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 945,000 student members as part of 9,163 local FFA chapters in all 50 states and Puerto Rico and the U.S. 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. The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations, and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders and support the future of agricultural education. A separately registered nonprofit organization, the foundation is governed by a board of trustees that includes the national FFA president, educators, business leaders and individual donors. Honorary degrees are approved by the National FFA Organization’s board of directors.
(photo courtesy of Preston FFA Facebook; PHS FFA members and teacher Samantha Funk attend the national convention, early November 2023, in Indianapolis, IN)