Fritsche wins Service Learning Proficiency

CONTACT INFORMATION

COLUMBIA, Mo., April 16, 2026 – Lucas Fritsche of Perryville won the Missouri FFA Service Learning Proficiency Award at the 98th Missouri FFA Convention.

Fritsche, a senior at Perryville Area CTC, is the son of John and Jennifer Fritsche. He is a member of the Perryville FFA Chapter. His advisors are Katie Burns and Emily Brown.

Fritsche’s supervised agricultural experience involves public speaking, budgeting money that was fundraised, researching inclusive playgrounds and raising awareness on how important play is for people with disabilities. He intends to raise $780,000 and fully construct a playground that is fully inclusive. This project has been worked on for 10 years and finally finished in 2024 with the grand opening of phase 2. His playground is called “Lucas and Friends Backyard Adventures.”

Fritsche has competed in the livestock evaluation career development event.

After graduating high school, Fritsche’s plans include supporting Unlimited Play and helping with the maintenance and upkeep of the playground. He will return to his family farm but plans to attend a technical school to get a degree in agricultural operations.

Proficiency awards recognize FFA members who excel as agricultural entrepreneurs, employees or volunteers while gaining hands-on career experience. Service Learning is one of 46 proficiency award areas recognized at the state level. Missouri FFA Association sponsored this award.

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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