INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, July 7, 2021/National FFA Organization) –Seven FFA members were recently named U.S. Presidential Scholars—one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students—for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education. Each year, up to 161 students receive this honor.

The FFA members named as scholars are:

Barret Ryan Young, Branford FFA, Florida

Molly Ann Niewoehner, Sumner-Fredericksburg FFA, Iowa

Justin David Eddy, Columbia FFA, Missouri

Sydney Marie Stundebeck, Salisbury FFA, Missouri

Christian Tamez, Shepherd FFA, Texas

Molly Jane Williams, Clarkston FFA, Washingon

Amara Lynn Livingston, Cochrane-Fountain City FFA, Wisconsin

Established in 1964 by executive order of President Lyndon B. Johnson, the U.S. Presidential Scholars program was created to recognize the nation’s most distinguished high school graduating seniors. In 2015, the program was expanded to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education.

The 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of two students from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large. There are also 20 scholars in the arts and 20 scholars in career and technical education.

“The 2021 Presidential Scholars represent extraordinary achievements for our extraordinary times,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “I am delighted to join President Biden in saluting these outstanding young people for their achievements, service, character and continued pursuit of excellence. Their examples make me proud and hopeful about the future. Honoring them can remind us all of the great potential in each new generation and renew our commitment to helping them achieve their dreams.”

Overseen by the Commission on Presidential Scholars, the program is administered by staff at the U.S. Department of Education. The commission selects honored scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service and leadership.

“This recognition demonstrates the students’ ability to excel in their academic performance while making a positive difference in their schools and communities by leading,” said Christine White, chief program officers for the National FFA Organization. “As an FFA member, these students have gone above and beyond set expectations. They are living out the mission and vision of the organization each day; they are our future leaders.  And we are immensely proud of their accomplishments.”

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 760,000 student members as part of 8,700 local FFA chapters in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

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About National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 760,000 student members as part of 8,700 local FFA chapters in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. 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.