Local News

Omak FFA Wins National Recognition

Aug 17, 2016

The Omak FFA chapter has been named among the top ten chapters in the nation in the Models of Innovation Award Program.

The program recognizes outstanding FFA chapter from throughout the country that complete an annual set of required activities that encourage members to grow as individuals, work as a team and serve others in their communities, according to a press release from National FFA.

FFA members completed a 20-page application highlighting their nine most successful activities. Nationally, 623 chapters applied and only ten were selected.

Omak’s selection came for their “Officer Mascot Social Media Campaign,” in which each officer carried a small stuffed animal in their FFA jacket pocket to every FFA activity. Throughout the year, officers posted pictures with their mascots at various events.

This is the chapter’s first national honor.

Omak chapter members will attend the National FFA Convention and Expo Oct. 19-22 in Indianapolis, Ind. Team members Matthan Hale and Cassandra Lange will also give a 10-minute presentation and a Q&A session with a panel of judges to explain the goals, planning and results of their honored activity.

The chapter will also be recognized as a three-star chapter, the highest honor. Other members representing Omak will be Kelsey Vejraska, Linda Harper, Bailey Covey and Chandra Shibley. Team advisor is Elaine Lewis, agricultural science teacher.

Star FFA chapters receive honors through sponsor John Deere.