Hayven Chase smiles with her American FFA Degree and certificate in front of Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Photo courtesy of Hayven Chase.
Earned by less than 1% of members, the American FFA Degree is the highest degree awarded in the National FFA Organization. Last October, Hayven Chase joined this elite group when she became the first Timberlake FFA member to receive the honor.
“Our Idaho FFA chapter was new — I joined the year it was chartered,” Chase says. “When I heard about the American FFA Degree and how such a small percentage of members receive it, it intrigued me.”
To earn an American FFA Degree, members must fulfill multiple requirements, including community service hours and the completion of an outstanding Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). Chase focused her SAE on training a service dog she could take to college.
Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 8 years old, Chase says she’s a heavy sleeper who can miss blood sugar alarms overnight. In 2020, she was offered a Goldendoodle/Labrador puppy she named Scentinel and the opportunity to train him to recognize and respond to changes in her blood sugar levels under the guidance of a service dog trainer.
“The trainer sent us training videos and evaluated if there were any holes in the training we missed,” Chase says. “It’s a little different than most SAEs, and it was really cool to fully train him from a puppy.”
Chase’s service dog, Scentinel, helps her find a sense of independence and confidence. Photo courtesy of Hayven Chase.
Scentinel joined Chase on the convention stage when she received her American FFA Degree, which is sponsored by corporate partners Cargill, Case IH, John Deere, Syngenta, Elanco and AGCO.
“It’s inspiring to see the people who received the degree before me and be the inspiration for others who might want to earn it, too,” she says.
Chase is now a junior at the University of Idaho, where she’s majoring in animal and veterinary science business and plans to pursue her passion for animals. She credits FFA with expanding her knowledge about the variety of agriculture-focused careers available.
“[FFA] is a wonderful community, and you make connections that help you explore career options in the industry,” Chase adds. “Working through the programs and earning the American FFA Degree really broadens your horizons.”
Take Center Stage
Preparations for the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo are happening. See if you’re eligible to receive the American FFA Degree in the future by reviewing the degree requirements, application process and reading testimonials from past recipients.
