MANHATTAN, Kan. – A member of the Labette County FFA Chapter was recognized Thursday for having one of the best career development programs in the state at the 81st Kansas FFA Convention.

Bradley Don Bohnenblust received a State FFA Proficiency award during the convention for outstanding accomplishments he has made in developing programs that will prepare him for a career in agriculture.

The proficiency award program recognizes students for exceptional accomplishments and excellence in a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program. This program allows students to set goals and gain real-world experience in a chosen area of the agriculture industry.

Bohnenblust won his award in the area of Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance Entrepreneurship. For his SAE he has restored boat motors, lawn mowers and tractors. He also has plans to restore automobiles for other people in order to raise money. Bohnenblust plans on attending Pittsburg State University and obtaining a degree in Automotive Technology. He is the son of Jeff and Dee Bohnenblust.

FFA is a national youth organization of 507,763 student members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture with 7,439 local chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. FFA strives to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.ksffa.org for more information.

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MANHATTAN, Kan. – A member of the Labette County FFA Chapter was recognized Thursday for having one of the best career development programs in the state at the 81st Kansas FFA Convention.

Justin Strickland received a State FFA Proficiency award during the convention for outstanding accomplishments he has made in developing programs that will prepare him for a career in agriculture.

The proficiency award program recognizes students for exceptional accomplishments and excellence in a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program. This program allows students to set goals and gain real-world experience in a chosen area of the agriculture industry.

Strickland earned his award in the area of Fiber and or Oil Crop Placement. He works with 2,400 acres of soybeans with his father for his SAE. He also operates equipment such as their grain drill and combine. He has also been able to obtain his own 185 acres of land which he farms using his fathers equipment in exchange for labor. Strickland plans on attending Kansas State University and majoring in Agribusiness or Agronomy. He is the son of John and Lisa Strickland.

MANHATTAN, Kan. – The first day of the 81st Kansas FFA Convention featured an opportunity for high school students to explore potential careers; recognition of student success in the FFA creed speaking, agricultural issues, and parliamentary procedure career development events; and a challenge to members made by renowned speaker Grant Baldwin.

The opening session welcomed Kansas FFA members, advisors and guests to Manhattan and announced the first of many individual and team honors that will be granted to members during the week.

Shannon Maxwell, Holton FFA, was recognized as the top individual in the Creed Speaking Career Development Event, with Naicee Gugelmeyer, South Barber FFA, placing second; Theo Kassebaum, Centre FFA, placing third; and Jordan Bell, Hill City FFA, placing fourth.

Atchison County was honored as the top team in the Ag Issues CDE and the Holton FFA took home top honors in the Parliamentary Procedure CDE. The Labette County FFA was recognized as the top chapter in the Career Development Events Sweepstakes. Louisburg was second, followed by Paola, Washington County and Buhler.