By Andi Anderson
The 2024 American Star Awards, presented at the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo, honored four outstanding FFA members for their exceptional Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs). These awards are among the most prestigious in the FFA, with less than 1% of members and alumni receiving the American FFA Degree.
Landon Haney from Ohio, Wylie Schwebach from New Mexico, Lizzie Catherine Schafer from Illinois, and Paul Oliver from Georgia were named the 2024 American Stars. Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to their communities and the field of agriculture.
Lizzie Catherine Schafer, the 2024 American Star in Agriscience and a member of Taylorville FFA, has been working towards this honor since she was seven years old. Reflecting on her journey, Schafer expressed gratitude for the experience and the recognition.
Landon Haney, the 2024 American Star in Agribusiness and a member of Arcanum-MVCTC FFA, faced challenges with his SAE but turned them into opportunities for positive change. He worked with an attorney to issue the first worker’s compensation policy in Ohio for someone his age, a significant achievement for his community.
Wylie Schwebach, the 2024 American Star in Agricultural Placement and a member of Moriarty FFA, has used his SAE to help a nearby farm produce quality alfalfa hay and market its barley to local breweries. His efforts have had a positive impact on the local economy by providing a new source of barley.
Paul Oliver, the 2024 American Star Farmer and a member of Tattnall County FFA, is continuing a family tradition. His father, Clint Oliver, won the same award in 1989. Paul Oliver advises aspiring SAE participants to seek guidance from those in similar situations and to learn as much as possible.
These four individuals exemplify the dedication and innovation that the American Star Awards aim to recognize, making significant contributions to agriculture and their communities.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Illinois, General