Tears, laughs and thanks filled the Elliot Hall of Music at Purdue University last Wednesday during the Hoosier Degree Session at the 86th Indiana FFA State Convention. Over 2,000 FFA members, advisors and guests were present.
Leah Hefty of the DeKalb FFA was awarded the Indiana State Star in Agri-science.
"I'm so honored," Hefty said. Hefty was also speechless after winning the award.
Finding a cheaper alternative to hay to feed her goats led Hefty to begin her SAE and interest in agri-science research. Her first project involved researching how to grow algae for animal food. She continued her research program in her grandfather's garden, proving through her research that raising green beans in raised soil bags is cheaper than purchasing them through the farmer's market.
"I'm really proud. She's top notch, top level," Hefty's FFA advisor, Matt Dice, said.
Hefty's love for helping others was evident not only in her proficiency, but also in her future goals. Hefty plans to attend school after graduation to continue to help end hunger.
Ted McKinney, director of the Indiana State Department of Ag, was one of the Honorary Degree recipients.
McKinney congratulated FFA members on being at the state convention and showed off his FFA tie that he wears for his speeches. McKinney spoke about improvements that the Department of Ag is contributing to the FFA Center in Trafelgar as well as the $50,000 grant that was given to the Indiana FFA.
"It is so important that we recognize that vocational education and agriculture is an integral part of the school system is critical," McKinney said. He also spoke to members about how at one point, funding for ag classes at schools was going to be cut in half.
McKinney spoke about how FFA is uplifted in all their meetings now in order to make sure they get funding.
"I, for one, am deeply indebted to Indiana FFA."
Steve Hickey was another award recipient. Hickey was the only recipient of the night to receive the 2015 VIP Award. Hickey will be retiring this year after spending over 30 years in the FFA organization. He taught at the Shenandoah FFA chapter for 33 years before moving to the state level.
After Hickey received his award, Ted McKinney came back to the stage to present another award to him. Gov. Mike Pence sent McKinney to award Hickey with being a "chieftain on the governor's staff" and the Sagamore of the Wabash award. Hickey's wife, Deborah, and their sons were there as well. Hickey will truly be missed by the Indiana FFA after his retirement.