Gruenewald named state winner in agricultural education proficiency award area

CONTACT INFORMATION

COLUMBIA, Mo., April 18, 2024 – Hayley Marie Gruenewald of Silex won the Missouri FFA Agricultural Education Proficiency Award at the 96th Missouri FFA Convention. 

Gruenewald, a senior at Silex High School, is the daughter of Kevin and Amanda Gruenewald. She is a member of the Silex FFA Chapter. Her advisors are Sean O’Brein and Elizabeth Kientzy.

Gruenewald’s supervised agricultural experience program consists of working in the classroom as a third, fourth and fifth grade instructor with Agriculture Education on the Move.

As an FFA member, Gruenewald has exhibited at many fairs, attended FFA Camp, Helping Youth Maximize Agricultural eXperiences (HYMAX) Academy and National Day of Service at National FFA Convention and Expo.

Outside of FFA, Gruenewald is a member of Student Council, Future Business Leaders of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and National Honor Society. Gruenewald also plays softball.

After graduation, Gruenewald plans to continue working in the education field through agricultural organizations.

Proficiency awards recognize FFA members who excel as agriculture entrepreneurs, employees or volunteers while gaining hands-on career experience. Agricultural education is one of 46 proficiency award areas recognized at the state level. The Missouri Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association sponsored the award.

The Missouri FFA has 26,830 members representing 362 chapters. The national organization has more than 945,000 members representing 9,163 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

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