Murray’s Michaela O’Grady awarded national American FFA degree

MURRAY – Each year, the National FFA Organization honors FFA members who show the utmost dedication to the organization through their desire to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The American FFA Degree is bestowed upon a select group of students in recognition of their years of academic and professional excellence. This year, 3,434 American Degrees were awarded.

Michaela O’Grady, a member of the Murray FFA chapter, was awarded the American FFA Degree at the 88th National FFA Convention and Expo held Oct. 28-31 in Louisville, Kentucky. Sponsored by ADM Crop Risk Services, Case IH, DuPont Pioneer, Elanco, Farm Credit and Syngenta as a special project of the National FFA Foundation, the award recognizes demonstrated ability and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing or service programs. To be eligible, FFA members must have earned and productively invested $10,000 through a supervised agricultural experience program in which they start, own or hold a professional position in an existing agriculture enterprise. Recipients must also complete 50 hours community service and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement. Each recipient of the American FFA Degree receives a gold American FFA Degree key, certificate and matted frame after being recognized onstage at the national convention.

O’Grady is the daughter of Steve and Lauralee O’Grady of Grand River. She is currently a sophomore at Iowa State University studying agriculture education. Through her supervised agricultural experience program of beef production, O’Grady kept diligent records to earn this prestigious honor. She joins a handful of Murray FFA alumni members who have earned this award.