The South Callaway High School FFA chapter is one of 10 in the nation chosen as a finalist for the 2013 National Chapter Model of Excellence Award.
At the Missouri FFA State Convention in April, the South Callaway FFA chapter placed 14th among 331 state chapters and received a gold rating, qualifying for the National Chapter Award.
The National Chapter of Excellence Award is based on three categories of chapter participation.
These activities emphasize student development, chapter development and community development.
Chapters are judged by an application highlighting activities based on these three categories.
At the national level chapters can receive a one-, two-, or three-star rating and can compete for the Model of Excellence Award.
The South Callaway FFA Chapter received the highest three-star rating, making it one of 10 finalists for the Model of Excellence Award.
Results of the Model of Excellence Award will be announced in October at the National FFA Convention in Louisville, Ky.
In the chapter's student development, the chapter hosts an annual Callaway County slow-pitch softball tournament to promote healthy lifestyles among FFA members and other students. The event also promotes teamwork with the chapter and friendly competition among other Callaway County FFA chapters.
For chapter development, South Callaway High School FFA members participated in an annual paintball retreat to develop leadership to promote member success and to develop future leaders in the chapter.
For community development, South Callaway High School FFA members collected and sent troop care packages to active duty military personnel during the holiday season in order to honor their service to the United States.
The two South Callaway teachers who act as advisors to the FFA chapter are Amanda Bowling and Kenny Fort.
Bowling credited the hard work of South Callaway FFA members throughout the year for the national recognition.
South Callaway FFA students, Bowling said, promote a healthy lifestyle. In the past two years there has been a great emphasis on community development.
Chapter members also volunteer at the soda stand at the Mokane World's Fair to help the Lions Club raise money. The South Callaway FFA chapter also promotes agriculture in the community.