Senator Young Receives FFA's Top Award

ALBANY – Senator Catharine Young (R,I,C – Olean), was presented with the National FFA Organization’s Honorary American Degree recently by members of FFA’s New York Chapter during a special ceremony held in Albany.

The degree is the highest honorary award presented by the FFA in recognition of those who advance agricultural education and the FFA through their outstanding personal commitment.

“As the State President of the NYS FFA, it is encouraging that Senator Young is dedicated to farming, and ensuring that our young people have career opportunities. Her background of growing up on a farm gives her insight into the critical issues that are most important to the FFA,” said Mary Foote, NYS FFA President.

According to J.W. Allen, NY FFA District 6 President, "Senator Young has received this award which shows our appreciation of her inspiration to young people. It truly is an honor for Senator Young to represent us so well in Albany because young people from rural backgrounds can recognize just how much they can achieve.”

As Chair of the Rural Resources Commission, Senator Young is responsible for tackling issues and concerns facing the farming community. Throughout her public service, she has worked hand-in-hand with leaders of the State’s agricultural industries to streamline and expand agricultural programs in the State.

“If agriculture is to remain New York’s top industry, then we need to do all that we can to support our future generation farmers. I am deeply honored by this recognition, and intend to do everything I possibly can to encourage students to grow, achieve, and establish themselves in what I hope to be vibrant agricultural careers right here in New York,” said Senator Young.

The National FFA Organization is a dynamic youth leadership organization founded in 1928 that strives to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

Today, the FFA is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with over 520,000 members in 7,439 chapters throughout all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

Pictured, Senator Catharine Young was presented recently with the National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Organization’s Honorary American Degree by members of FFA’s New York Chapter during a special ceremony held in Albany. Pictured from left to right are: Joshua Draves (FFA Sentinel), Brandon Aldous (State Treasurer), Senator Young, Mary Elizabeth Foote (FFA State President) and J.W. Allen (District 6 President)
Photo courtesy of Young's office