A junior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln majoring in agriculture education and originally from Staplehurst earned the highest degree achievable in the National FFA Organization.
Megan Vrbka earned her American FFA Degree at the National FFA convention in Indianapolis.
“It felt very special to be able to receive my American degree in person this year,” Vrbka said. “I graduated in 2020 when the whole world was shut down. In my senior year, I received my State FFA degree, I was a star finalist, as well as a proficiency finalist. I received all my awards in the mail that year, so being able to walk across the stage in person and receive my American degree was very special.”
To be eligible to receive the American FFA Degree, members must meet qualifications such as receiving a State FFA Degree, holding active membership for the past three years, completing secondary instruction in an agriculture education program and operating an outstanding supervised agriculture experience program. Community service, leadership abilities and outstanding scholastic achievement are also required.
“My supervised agriculture experience included working at Sloup Simmentals and starting my own cattle herd,” Vrbka said. “I was very active in my chapter, did multiple community service projects and held many leadership positions to obtain the degree.”
Vrbka said her journey started with Seward County 4-H.
“I was very involved in the Seward County 4-H program and I was a member of the Seward County 4-H Council for four years,” she said. “I was a member of the Junior Leaders for numerous years and held multiple leadership positions. I was also a member of the Staplehurst Livestock 4-H club as well as the 10-X Shooters 4-H club.”
Once Vrbka got into high school, she said she was involved in FFA and has continued throughout college.
“I participated in multiple career and leadership events and held multiple leadership positions including being Chapter President my senior year,” Vrbka said. “In college, I am involved in the Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority, Block and Bridle, Young Nebraska Cattlemen and I’m an Ag Sack Lunch Ambassador.”
Vrbka got the opportunity to go to the National FFA convention from Oct. 24-29. The National FFA convention is one of the world’s largest school youth conventions where FFA members gather to learn about careers in the agriculture industry, compete in career and leadership events and volunteer in the community.
Vrbka is familiar with the convention, as this was her third year at the event.
“I always have a great time,” she said. “It is always fun to meet all the people from different states.”
With the experiences she’s had, Vrbka said she would encourage others to join FFA, go to the national convention and try to earn the American FFA Degree.
“I have made a ton of connections and gained skills that I can use for a lifetime,” she said.
