Leesa Varner received the American FFA Degree at the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis on Saturday, October 24, 2009. It is the highest degree awarded by the National FFA Organization and recognizes Leesa's demonstrated leadership abilities and outstanding achievements in agriculture business, production, processing and service programs.

Less than one in 154 FFA members advance through their local chapter and state FFA degree programs to earn this national degree. Leesa, the daughter of Keith and Lori Varner, is currently attending OSU. She is a member of the Frederick FFA Chapter and her agricultural education instructor and FFA advisor is Bill Blankenship.

Leesa received a gold American FFA Degree key and a certificate in a blue leatherette frame to commemorate the achievement. The recognition program is sponsored by Case IH, Farm Credit, Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont Company and Syngenta, as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. The national FFA convention is the nation's largest annual youth gathering, welcoming students, parents and educators from all across the United States.

Colton Gaines was also a recipient of the American FFA degree but was unable to attend. Colten is the son of Craig and Camille Gaines.

The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 507,763 student members - all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture - as part of 7,439 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agriculturaleducation. Visit www.ffa.org for more information.