Republic FFA receives Top Chapter Award, Model of Excellence in Growing Leaders state winner

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COLUMBIA, Mo., April 15, 2026—The Missouri FFA Association awarded the Republic FFA Chapter a Gold Emblem and a Top Chapter Award. Republic placed fifth out of 369 chapters and was named the Model of Excellence in Growing Leaders state winner. Only 10 percent of state chapters receive a top chapter designation annually.

The National Chapter Award Program recognizes FFA chapters that actively implement the organization’s mission and strategies. Chapters improve operations using the National Quality Chapter Standards and a Program of Activities, emphasizing growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership. FCS Financial sponsors this award. The Republic FFA advisors are Taya Henry, Duane Melton and Kaylee Lower.

The Republic FFA Chapter embodies the Three-Circle Model by providing students with hands-on learning, leadership development and community service opportunities. The activities included are their Opening Tigers Tailgate, Paper to Purpose Recycling and Amplifying Agriculture: Social Media Challenge. Each event allows students to build onto the three circle model within their chapter activities.

The top chapters in Missouri will compete for the National FFA Chapter Award. Winners will be announced this fall at the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis.

The Missouri FFA has 27,000 members representing 369 chapters. The national organization has more than 1,042,245 members representing 9,407 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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