News : Four Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Members To Receive American Degrees

By: Co-Reporter, Isabel Mullinex

The Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter proudly announces that George Haefner, Shelby McDonald, Maddie Moen, and Isaac Wiley will be receiving their American Degrees at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. The American Degree is the highest and most honored award to be received as an FFA member. To be eligible for this outstanding achievement, one must have received a State FFA Degree, hold an active membership for the past three years, completed classroom instruction, and have an outstanding SAE. Through their time in FFA, these members have achieved all of these requirements and will be walking across the stage at the 94th Annual National Convention on October 30th, 2021.

One of the first members from our chapter to be receiving the American Degree is George "Wes" Haefner. George graduated from Vinton-Shellsburg High School in 2018. He has multiple SAE projects. His SAE's describe him as working over 700 hours on his family farm, at Calkins Nature Center for three years, serving as a Type 2 FireFighter for the US Forest Service for 2 years, and working for Hardin County Conservation and Benton County IRM. Wes currently does conservation work in the area.

The second member to be receiving the American Degree from the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter is Shelby McDonald. Shelby graduated from Vinton-Shellsburg High School in 2019, and attended Hawkeye community college for 2 years. Her SAE projects describe her as working over 200 total hours in the Ag Room, at Frazier's Nursery, in Entrepreneur Placement, with Vinton Unlimited and at the ISU Extension Office in Benton County. During her time in FFA, Shelby also served as a chapter officer for multiple years. Now, Shelby works for a bank in Northeast Iowa.

The third member is Maddie Moen. Maddie graduated from Vinton-Shellsburg High School in 2018. Maddie is currently attending Iowa State University and plans to major in Veterinary Medicine. Her SAE describes her as working at her family farm, at Fareway, and with various Veterinary Clinics throughout her years. In high school Maddie served as a chapter officer.

The fourth member from the Vinton Shellsburg FFA chapter to be receiving their American Degree is Isaac Wiley. Isaac graduated from Vinton-Shellsburg High School in 2019 and is currently attending Iowa State University for Ag Business. His SAE describes him as putting in hours with Interstate Swine, Seila Farms, Agri Management Services, and Farmers Savings Bank and Trust. In high school, Isaac served as a Chapter and District FFA Officer.

The American FFA Degree is the highest degree that can be obtained by members in the organization. The Vinton Shellsburg FFA Chapter would like to congratulate George Haefner, Shelby McDonald, Maddie Moen, and Isaac Wiley on their big accomplishment. Their hard work and dedication to this chapter will be greatly admired and appreciated for years to come.