COLUMBIA, Mo., April 19, 2018 – Jorge Zapata of Stotts City, Missouri, was named an Honorary State FFA Degree recipient at the 90th Missouri FFA Convention.

Zapata is an instructor and division chair in the Agriculture Division of Crowder College. He has assisted with judging local leadership development events since 2008. He also helped facilitate the livestock evaluation career development event as a student at Tarleton State University in Texas.

As a student, Zapata participated in several career development events including horse evaluation and livestock evaluation, and leadership development events such as parliamentary procedure and prepared public speaking. He was also president of the Fort Stockton FFA Chapter.

The Missouri FFA Association recognizes Honorary State FFA Degree recipients at its annual state convention for their valuable efforts and contributions to the FFA organization and its members. Those eligible to receive the Honorary FFA Degree include farmers, school superintendents, principals, members of the board of education, chapter advisors, teachers, staff members in agricultural education, business professionals and others who are helping to advance agricultural education and the FFA while rendering outstanding service.

The Missouri FFA has 25,375 members representing 343 chapters. The national organization has more than 653,000 members representing 8,568 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

Last Updated on April 24, 2018 by Steven Brunson