Sara Capp and Kellie Christians Awarded Honorary State FFA Degrees

Kellie Christians and Sara Capp received Honorary State FFA degrees during the 95th Annual South Dakota State FFA Convention on April 17 at South Dakota State University (SDSU) in  Brookings. 

The Honorary State FFA Degree recognizes individuals who are helping to advance agricultural education and the FFA, and it honors those who have rendered outstanding service to the organization with their time and talents.

Christians was a member and chapter officer of the Milbank FFA Chapter. She has assisted and judged the District I Parliamentary Procedure Leadership Development Event for four years. 

Capp was also a member of the Milbank FFA Chapter. She has judged the District I Parliamentary Procedure Leadership Development Event for five years. This year, Capp assisted with the judging of the Conduct of Chapter meetings at the state level. 

Recipients of Honorary State FFA Degrees: 

Front (l. to r.) 

1.      Andrew Jensen, Sioux Falls

2.      Sara Capp, Milbank

3.      Heather Jordan, Clark

4.      Amy Howard, Miller

5.      Brianna Fabris, Sturgis

6.      Kari Harmon, Mellette

7.       Maria DeYoung, Ashton

Middle: 

1.      Tim and Kristie Fiegen, Parker

2.      Mercedes Lemke, Gettysburg

3.      Stacey Sieverding, Salem

4.      Aaron Beisch, Webster

5.      Brad Fischbach, Mellette

6.       Christopher DeYoung, Ashton 

Back: 

1.      Lavyne Rada, Litchfield, Minnesota

2.      Dr. Laura Hasselquist, Brookings

3.      Dr. Brent Turnipseed, Brookings

4.      Lynn Brace, Redfield

5.      Kellie Christensen, Milbank

6.      Shane Jordan, Clark

7.      Lee Kopriva, Raymond

8.      Brandy Knutson, Kadoka

9.      Peter Nielson, Volga

Not pictured: 

·        Jessica McGregor, Webster

·        Carl & Kari Sanders, Oral

·        Ross and Chrissy Peterson, Sturgis 

·        Bobbi Jo Donovan, Rapid City

·        Karla Howard, Brookings

·        Kevin Blagg, Salem

·        Matt Pechholt, Salem

·        Ken Wintersteen, Menno 

Recipients of the 2023 Distinguished Service Award;        

      Pranger’s Feed Mill in Platte

·      Duenwald Transportation in Clark

The Distinguished Service Award was presented to two South Dakota businesses that have taken action to advocate for agricultural education at the state and local levels to ensure FFA members have the best experience.