Olivia Rodriguez INDIANA - Olivia Rodriguez and Patrick Woods, members of the Raymondville FFA Chapter have been officially notified that they are national recipients of the American FFA Degree. Earning the degree means that Olivia and Patrick are of a select group of individuals to be recognized for years of academic and professional excellence. The honor will be presented on October 24, 2009 at the 82nd National FFA Convention, to be held in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The American FFA Degree recognizes demonstrated leadership ability and outstanding Achievements in agricultural business, production, processing or service programs. To be eligible, members must have earned and productively invested $7,500.00 through a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Program in which they start, own, or hold a professional position in an existing agriculture enterprise. Recipients must also make it their mission to demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement.

Fach award recipient receives a gold American FFA Degree key, and certificate in a blue Leatherette frame. Of 507,763 FFA members nationwide Olivia and Patrick are only two of 3.299 to be recognized nationwide in 2009 and two of three from the entire Rio Grande Valley. Their FFA Advisor is Richard Cesar Garcia.

Patrick Woods