Since its founding in 1928, the National FFA Organization has maintained standards and awards for its members. These include everything from receiving the Greenhand Degree at the end of Freshman year, all the way to the American Degree, received on the national stage in Indianapolis, Indiana, as the final stage of one’s FFA career.
Minneapolis High School graduates Maddy Krueger, Lillian Hulse, and Ryan Myers all made this historic accomplishment on October 24, 2026. Hulse attended the 99th National FFA Convention to walk across the stage and shake the hand of our 2025-2026 National FFA President. Although Krueger and Myers were not able to walk the stage, they can say with dignity that they are American Degree recipients.
This achievement is worth talking about because fewer than 1% of FFA members across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands receive the American Degree. How amazing it is that three of the Minneapolis High School alumni are part of this small but highly recognized group within the National FFA Organization. #LIONPRIDE!