left to right: Karsyn Perrin, Ally Trotter, Reese Barker
WILBURTON, Okla. – Three Eastern Oklahoma State College agriculture students earned the American FFA Degree during the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo, held Oct. 21-24 in Indianapolis.
Reese Barker, Karsyn Perrin and Ally Trotter each received the American FFA Degree, the highest degree attainable through the National FFA Organization. Fewer than 1% of FFA members earn the degree annually, making it one of the organization’s highest individual honors. Recipients must demonstrate achievement in agricultural education, leadership, community involvement and supervised agricultural experience programs.
“Earning the American FFA Degree represents years of hard work, leadership and dedication to agriculture,” said Rene’ McCracken, Dean of Eastern’s Division of Agriculture. “To see three Eastern students receive this national recognition is something we are very proud of. Reese, Karsyn and Ally have each brought that same drive and dedication to Eastern, and they are outstanding examples of the future leaders we are fortunate to have in our agriculture program.”
Reese Barker, a sophomore from Kiowa, is pursuing a degree in Agricultural Business/Economics. During his time at Kiowa High School, he served as FFA chapter president and participated in shooting sports, land judging, livestock judging and the FFA band. He also advanced to the talent finals at the Oklahoma State FFA Convention. At Eastern, he is a member of the Soils Judging Team, Aggie Club and Baptist Collegiate Ministries.
Karsyn Perrin, a sophomore from Battiest, is double majoring in Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Communications. Raised around her family’s cow-calf and stocker cattle operation, agriculture has remained a central part of her education and future plans. At Eastern, she serves as president of the Aggie Club and is involved with the Soils Judging Team, Agriculture Ambassadors and Honors Program.
Ally Trotter is pursuing a degree in Agricultural Communications after years of involvement in agricultural education and FFA. Throughout her FFA career, she participated in public speaking, livestock shows, land judging, homesite evaluation, skeet shooting and agricultural communications. Her accomplishments include two state championships and a national championship in homesite evaluation.
At Eastern, Trotter is a member of the Soils Judging Team and Aggie Club and serves as an Agriculture Ambassador. She also writes an agricultural column, “Ag with Ally,” for her hometown county newspaper and provides a weekly agriculture report for Eastern’s Mountaineer Radio.
Eastern President Dr. Randy Harp said the students’ accomplishments reflect both their individual dedication and the value of agricultural education in preparing students for future opportunities.
“The American FFA Degree is a tremendous accomplishment, and we are proud to see Reese, Karsyn and Ally recognized at the national level,” Harp said. “Their success reflects the work ethic, leadership and passion they bring to Eastern. Experiences like FFA and the opportunities they continue to pursue here help prepare students to become leaders in agriculture and in the communities they will serve.”
Get Local News!
