Each year, the National FFA Organization honors FFA members who show the utmost dedication to the organization through their desire to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

The American FFA Degree is bestowed upon a select group of students in recognition of their years of academic and professional excellence. This year 4,353 American Degrees were be awarded.

Allyson Nicole Sanford, Swansea FFA chapter alumna, was awarded the American FFA Degree at the 92nd National FFA Convention & Expo Oct. 30-Nov. 2, in Indianapolis. Allyson is the first SHS FFA member to receive this distinguished honor. Under the instruction of her FFA Advisor, Desiree Still, she demonstrated ability and outstanding achievements in agricultural business and entrepreneurship through her Supervised Agricultural Experience during her time at Swansea High School.

To be eligible, FFA members must have earned and productively invested $10,000 through a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program in which they own their own business or hold a professional position as an employee. Recipients must also complete 50 hours community service and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement through completion of a long list of FFA and community activities. Less than 1% of FFA members achieve the American FFA Degree.

Each recipient of the American FFA Degree receives a gold American FFA Degree key and certificate after being recognized on stage at the national convention.