Blue Ridge FFA Chapter Earns Top 10 National Distinction with Prestigious Highest Rating

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BLUE RIDGE, Ill. (WCIA) — In a stunning achievement, Blue Ridge’s high school FFA chapter has been honored as one of the top 10 in the nation, selected from over 9,000 chapters during a recent national convention.

The prestigious recognition came at the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo, which took place in Indianapolis from October 29 to November 1. Blue Ridge’s FFA Chapter was distinguished as a Top 10 National Model of Excellence Chapter. Furthermore, since 2020, this chapter has consistently achieved the esteemed 3-star chapter ranking, the highest accolade for an FFA chapter.

The Marching Illini are set to compete in a collegiate competition hosted by Metallica.

“It’s incredible,” expressed Carmen Ellis, President of the Blue Ridge FFA Chapter. “We come from a tiny town that many haven’t heard of, so gaining recognition at a national level is truly remarkable.”

In a heartfelt message on Facebook, the chapter described the event as an unforgettable experience they will always cherish. They expressed gratitude for the opportunity to deliver an outstanding presentation on the finals stage and advance to the national level, vowing to hold onto the memories from this year’s convention.

“It’s really rewarding to see all of our local efforts being acknowledged nationally and to know that our chapter’s name is being heard at such a prestigious event,” said Presley Hardesty, Vice President of the Blue Ridge FFA Chapter.

The chapter members said their growth as an organization can be attributed to their advisors and the continued passion they have for agriculture. Ellis said carrying on the traditions they’ve held for years has allowed them to find success time after time.

And one current member has advice for those interested in but maybe on the fence about joining their local FFA chapter.

“I would say just do it, just try it,” said Shawn Christie, active member of the Blue Ridge FFA Chapter. “Coming into high school, I never did Ag in 8th grade so, I would say just try it. I didn’t know what I was going to do when I got in high school, and now, through FFA, I learned that I want to survey for the rest of my life.”