DeOrnellis receives Honorary State Degree

CONTACT INFORMATION

COLUMBIA, Mo., April 17, 2026 – The Missouri FFA Association named Darrin and Mary DeOrnellis, Honorary State FFA Degree recipients at the 98th Missouri FFA Convention.

Darrin and Mary DeOrnellis are longtime supporters of the Paris FFA and FFA chapters across Northeast Missouri. Darrin is an instrumental part in organizing the Paris FFA Trap Shoot and serves as a dedicated assistant trap team coach, mentoring students and ensuring the event’s continued success.

Together, Darrin and Mary volunteer their time to coordinate ham and bacon curing opportunities for Monroe County and seven surrounding FFA chapters. Darrin and Mary also serve as judges and contest leads for Paris Aggie Days.

The Missouri FFA Association recognizes Honorary State FFA Degree recipients for their valuable efforts and contributions to the FFA organization and its members. Those eligible to receive the Honorary FFA Degree include farmers, school superintendents, principals, members of the board of education, chapter advisors, teachers, staff members in agricultural education, business professionals and others who are helping to advance agricultural education and the FFA.

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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