Louisiana FFA Announces Honorary State FFA Degree Recipients

The Louisiana FFA Association announced the names of eight distinguished supporters that earned the Honorary State FFA Degree. The degree is awarded to people who have rendered outstanding service to Louisiana FFA and agriculture both in and out of the classroom. To earn the award, recipients must meet the requirements listed in the Louisiana FFA Constitution:

“Farmers, supervisors, school superintendents, principals, members of board of education, instructors, teachers of agriculture, businessmen, and others who are helping to advance agricultural education and FFA, and who have rendered outstanding service may be elected to honorary membership by a majority vote of the members present at any regular meeting or convention.”

One of the recipients, Mrs. Kathy Conerly, said, “It is quite a distinction to be selected as one of the few recipients of the Honorary State FFA Degree this year. To me, it represents acknowledgement of and gratitude for the efforts and support one gives to Agricultural Education and FFA. I feel privileged to have been nominated and chosen to receive the award.”

The 2022 class of Honorary State FFA Degree recipients includes school and university administrators, agriscience teachers, former FFA state staff, and agricultural education supporters.

The 2022 State FFA Degree recipients are:

Mrs. Kathy Conerly, former Louisiana FFA Executive Secretary

Dr. Jim Lemoine, Associate Professor, University of Buffalo School of Management

Mr. Barrett Lyons, NRCS District Conservationist

Mr. Chad Shimmels, Louisiana Food Science Career Development Event Superintendent

Mrs. Angie Shimmels, Louisiana Food Science Career Development Event Co-Superintendent

Mr. Al Simmons, Superintendent of Winn Parish Schools

Dr. Monty Sullivan, President of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System

Mr. Karl Wiggers, Video Specialist and Executive Producer of This Week in Louisiana Agriculture

The eight honorees received their awards during the second business session of the 93rd State FFA Convention and Expo. The degree was conferred upon them by the State FFA President, and their biographies were read to the FFA members, advisors, and guests in attendance.