INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026/National FFA Organization) – The Wilmington FFA Chapter of Ohio was named the 2026  National Model of Excellence during the third general session of the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo this year in Indianapolis.

Wilmington FFA of Ohio hosted FFA members from across Ohio at the “Ace the Interview Job Interview CDE Invitational.” For the event, 103 students from 27 FFA chapters prepared a resume and cover letter, completed an application, participated in a mock interview, and wrote a follow-up letter. In addition, as part of their “Feast in the Fields” activity, the chapter prepared and delivered hot meals to local farmers during harvest season to show appreciation.

The National Chapter Award program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters that actively implement the organization’s mission and strategies. These chapters improve operations using the National Quality FFA Chapter Standards and a Program of Activities that emphasizes growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership.

National FFA recognizes the top chapters with innovative activities in three divisions: growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. Chapters that receive three-star ratings during judging are eligible to compete for the premier chapter awards. Ten FFA chapters competed for the honor.

Bayer, Cargill, John Deere, New Holland, Rabobank and Syngenta sponsor the National Chapter Award program. General convention sessions air live on the FFA Live! broadcast stream. FFA members and supporters can tune in and watch gavel-to-gavel coverage of the event. To learn more, visit FFA.org.

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,053,847 student members as part of 9,591 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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About National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,053,847 student members as part of 9,591 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook and Twitter.

About National FFA Foundation
The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations, and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders, and support the future of agricultural education. Governed by a 19-member board of trustees composed of educators, business leaders, individual donors and FFA Alumni, the foundation is a separately registered nonprofit organization. About 82 percent of every dollar received by the foundation supports FFA members and agricultural education opportunities. For more, visit FFA.org/Give.