Austin, Texas – Ashlynn McMakin, of the Stuart FFA Chapter, has been approved as an American FFA Degree recipient at the 98th annual National FFA Convention to be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. The American FFA Degree is the highest degree bestowed by the National FFA Organization, with less than 1% of FFA members earning the prestigious honor.

The American Degree is the top degree in a four-tier degree program that recognizes individual achievement in instructional programs, supervised experience, and leadership development and is awarded at the National FFA Convention in October.

A portion of the American FFA Degree ceremony states, “Boundaries within our country exist only in name. True American citizens are interested in and loyal to their local communities and states, but their greatest devotion is to their country. Recipients of the American FFA Degree see beyond limited horizons. They concern themselves not only with the affairs of their local chapters and state associations but also with the National FFA Organization, working for the advancement of agriculture, which, in turn, strengthens America.”

Ashlynn was named as a candidate for the American FFA Degree at the 96th annual Texas FFA State Convention held this past summer, June 30 – July 4, 2025, in Fort Worth. The 96th annual Texas FFA Convention recorded approximately 16,000 members and guests. Members of the state’s largest agricultural youth leadership organization spent the week attending leadership workshops, participating in events and activities, being recognized for their achievements, and serving as the legislative body for the Texas FFA Association.

The Texas FFA is the nation’s largest state FFA association with a membership of more than 182,000. FFA gives students the opportunity to apply practical classroom knowledge to real-world experiences through local, state and national competitions. For more information about the Texas FFA, visit www.texasffa.org.