For Lynnville-Sully graduate Marshall Hay, last week’s National FFA Convention & Expo marked the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to an organization he’s always been passionate about.

During the FFA’s 85th national convention in Indianapolis, Hay was presented with the American FFA Degree, the highest honor conferred upon FFA members. It is one of numerous awards presented during the convention, which attracts upwards of 50,000 students from across the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

“This award really encompasses everything that I’ve done in FFA,” Hay said. “FFA gives us the opportunity to enhance our leadership and success, and I’ve been able to grown and gain so much through my experience with FFA.”