Indianapolis (Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025) – Cambridge Middle FFA of Illinois was named the 2025 National Middle School Model of Excellence winner during the second general session of the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo this year in Indianapolis.

Cambridge Middle FFA of Illinois explored farm-to-fork nutrition by making bread and pickles after analyzing food labels. During the “Rise & Brine Project,” members learned about food processing and healthy choices. Also, in a collaboration with the local farm bureau, members created a tractor safety display at a local ice cream shop that illustrated the importance of staying safe around implements to spread valuable knowledge to the community during National Farm Safety Week.

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. Five FFA chapters competed for the honor.

Bayer, Cargill, John Deere, New Holland, Syngenta and Rabobank 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 1,042,245 student members as part of 9,207 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 1,042,245 student members as part of 9,407 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.