Two Decorah HS graduates have earned the highest possible FFA degree

(From the left): Hailey Nierling and Ashley Schwartzhoff

Decorah FFA chapter members Hailey Nierling and Ashley Schwartzhoff have been awarded the American FFA Degree. Nierling and Schwartzhoff are the 19th and 20th members of the Decorah FFA who have earned this degree, which is the highest degree possible through the FFA.

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 agricultural enterprise, or earned and productively invested $2,000 and worked 2,250 hours in excess of scheduled class time. Recipients must also complete 50 hours community service, demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement, and have a good academic record.

Hailey Nierling is the daughter of Matt and Jolene Nierling and is now a student at Southwest Minnesota State University. Ashley Schwartzhoff is the daughter of Mike and Michelle Schwartzhoff and is a senior at Iowa State University.