Kudos, awards given to FFA members

FALLS VILLAGE — The Housatonic FFA Banquet was held Friday, Nov. 18, to celebrate the accomplishments of the FFA from the past year at Housatonic Valley Regional High School. The FFA is a youth organization that promotes leadership, personal growth and career success in its members.  Greenhand and Chapter Degrees were awarded to the following members: Cassidy Considine, Star Greenhand; Marissa Larson, Chapter Star Farmer; Matt Aragi, Chapter Star in Agricultural Placement; Brian Saccardi, Chapter Star in Agriscience.Honorary Membership was awarded to Vincent Noad of Conklin Limestone in North Canaan.The Housatonic FFA has enjoyed considerable success this year. At the National Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., Josh Allyn and Will Russ were awarded the American Degree, the highest degree level in the FFA, given to the most dedicated members for their accomplishments. Fewer than 1 percent of the more than 500,000 members nationwide receive this award.The Housatonic FFA also received the national Two Star Chapter award, given to chapters that are actively developing their members at the student, chapter and community level. To be eligible for this award, the Housatonic Valley FFA first had to qualify as a Gold Chapter at the state level. The state-winning Housatonic Valley FFA Natural Resources Career Development Event team (Emily Studer, Jordan Long, Christian Allyn and Saccardi) earned a fifth-place finish out of 45 teams from across the country. Studer ranked second out of 168 individuals earning scholarship money. Brian Saccardi, a junior at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, is the FFA reporter.

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