Emma Evans, a 2023 KHS graduate, is one of three alumni chosen for the American Degree. [Photos courtesy of Kewanee High School]

The Kewanee High School FFA chapter made history this year by having three members recommended for the National FFA American Degree.

2024 graduate Rachel DeRycke is a degree candidate.

“In our chapter’s history, we have never had more than one American Degree recipient in any given year,” said Kindra Callahan, FFA advisor at the school. “This year, Kewanee FFA has three National FFA American Degree candidates.”

Rachel DeRycke and Abigail DeSchepper, 2024 graduates, and 2023 grad Emma Evans have been recommended to the National FFA for the American FFA Degree by the Illinois FFA Interview and Selection Committee. 

Their applications have been forwarded to the National FFA Organization for review and approval by the National FFA board of directors. 

Abigail DeSchepper, a 2024 graduate, also is to receive the degree.

“We take great pride in their work to achieve the highest degree of membership and the top honor in FFA,” Callahan said. “They will be recognized by Illinois FFA at this summer’s State Convention on June 10. We will anticipate their final confirmation of the American FFA Degree status later this summer. They will then be honored at the 98th Annual National FFA Convention in Indianapolis this fall.”

Kyle Joos, KHS’s 2024 American Degree recipient, was the first since 2014 and became the sixth Kewanee FFA member to earn the degree. 

“This year we hope to jump that number to nine,” Callahan said. “So stinking cool!”