Frank Riney, a Daviess County Public Schools Board of Education member, has been selected to receive the Honorary American FFA Degree. This award, the FFA’s highest honor, is given to those who advance agricultural education and FFA through outstanding personal commitment.
The Honorary American FFA Degree is an opportunity to recognize those who have made extraordinary contributions to make a long-term difference in the lives of students, inspiring confidence in a new generation of agriculturists.
“My heart was always with farming and working with the land,” Riney said. “That is the reason I will continue to have a strong connection to everyone involved with agriculture, their protection of the land and leaving it better than they found it — as my grandfather always preached. That makes this mean so much.”
Riney was nominated for this award by both the Daviess County High School and Apollo High School FFA chapters for his commitment to agriculture education and FFA.
“Since his tenure on the school board began in 1977, thousands of FFA members have been given the opportunity to learn and lead in this organization,” said Jason Smith, DCHS agriculture instructor and FFA advisor. “With the support of Mr. Riney and the other board members, DCPS can boast numerous national contest winners, national stars and a national FFA officer.”
Aaron Tucker, AHS agriculture instructor and FFA advisor, added that “Mr. Riney has always been a supporter and friend to our agriculture department and FFA chapter. He always attends FFA events and enjoys talking with the students from his community. We are very excited that he was awarded this honor.”
Members of the National FFA Organization’s board of directors approved the nomination. Riney will receive the award during the 95th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis on Oct. 28. All recipients will receive a plaque and medal, and their names will be permanently recorded as recipients.
