Bend FFA Chapter Earns Honors at National Expo

The Bend FFA chapter of Bend, OR, has been recognized in 2026 National Chapter Award Program from the National FFA Organization. They were given a 2-star ranking. Truly a mark of their exceptionalism. Less than 10% of chapters nationwide are given a ranking from the National FFA Organization.

The National Chapter Award Program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters from across the country that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. These chapters improve chapter operations using the National Quality FFA Chapter Standards and a Program of Activities that emphasizes growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership.

Chapters received star ratings during judging this summer and were recognized at the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo, Oct 21-24. All star-rated FFA chapters receive honors made possible by corporate sponsors Bayer, Cargill Protein, Case IH, John Deere, Syngenta, and Rabobank.

Bend FFA member Jael Cruikshank wrapped up her year serving as one of the 6 National FFA Officers, retiring from the position of Western Region Vice President. Throughout their year of service to the National FFA Organization, the officers interacted with business and industry leaders, thousands of FFA members and teachers, corporate partners, government and education officials, state FFA leaders, the general public, and more. The team led personal growth and leadership training conferences for FFA members nationwide and helped establish policies to guide the future of FFA and the next generation of leaders.

At the 99^th National FFA Convention & Expo, Cruikshank’s main role was to lead sessions for the over 73,000 in attendance. During the 5^thgeneral session, she delivered a retiring address titled “Lead Your Heart”. In this message, she encouraged us to not act on the instincts of our heart but instead be intentional with our actions to lead our heart. Cruikshank said during her speech, “This year, I’ve had the absolute privilege of investing in FFA. The funny thing is, I thought I was coming into this year to influence you all, but you all have actually been the ones influencing me.”

It takes a highly motivated person to become a successful National FFA Officer—an opportunity afforded to few members. Becoming a national officer requires members to learn about their passions and gain a better understanding of what life as a national officer is like. The life of a national officer is nonstop hard work and never-ending commitments, but it is a life-changing experience—one they will cherish forever.

The American FFA Degree is bestowed upon a select group of FFA members in recognition of their years of academic and professional excellence. This year over 5,800 American Degrees were awarded, in which 12 members of the Bend FFA Chapter received this award at the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo on October 24, 2026. Those members were Megan Benson, Shelby Brownson, Lydia Cruikshank, Alexis Everist, Savanna Franson, Lilly Shaffer, Brylee Tye, Riley Wallace, Lane Hansen, Austin Franklin, Josie Olsen and Annika Power.

Sponsored by Bayer, Cargill, Case IH, John Deere, Rabobank, and Syngenta, the award recognizes demonstrated ability and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing, or service programs.

To be eligible, FFA members must have earned at least $10,000 or earned at least $2,000 and worked at least 2,250 hrs. outside of class time through a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program in which they own their own business, hold a professional position as an employee, or conduct research. Recipients must also complete 50 hours of community service and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement through the completion of a long list of FFA and community activities. Less than 1 percent of FFA members achieve the American FFA Degree.

After being recognized at the national convention, each recipient of the American FFA Degree receives a gold American FFA Degree key and certificate.

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,053,847 student members as part of 9,591 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.