An award given solely to those who advance agricultural education through outstanding personal commitment will be presented to Jessica Blythe, professor of agricultural and extension education in the West Virginia University Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design.
Blythe received the Honorary American FFA Degree from the National FFA Organization, which works to enhance the lives of youth through agricultural education. The degree recognizes 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.
“When I think back to sitting in my very first FFA chapter meeting at Suffield Regional High School, never would I have thought I’d have the opportunity to serve the organization in such a meaningful and purposeful way,” Blythe said.
Blythe has been involved in FFA since her freshman year of high school in 1998—and this is not the first time her efforts and impact have been acknowledged. In 2002, she earned the American Degree, the highest honor awarded to FFA members. Since 2019, Blythe has served as one of two representatives of the American Association of Agricultural Education on the National FFA board of directors.
“When engaging in board discussions, I always try to thoughtfully consider
two things. First, what do our members need to be successful agriculturalists in our society? Second, how can we support the teachers and advisers who help them develop that knowledge and those skills?” she said.
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.
Members of the National FFA Organization's board of directors approved the nomination. Blythe will be recognized during the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Friday, Nov. 3. Recipients will receive 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, 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. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin.
The Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design envisions a world sustainably fed, clothed and sheltered. To learn more about the Davis College, visit davis.wvu.edu. Keep up with the latest updates and news on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube by following @WVUDavis.
-WVU-
ls/11/08/23
CONTACT: Leah Smith
Communications Specialist
Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design
304-290-8680; lnestor2@mail.wvu.edu
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