FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 28, 2009

NATIONAL FFA TO AWARD $2 MILLION IN SCHOLARSHIPS

COLUMBIA, SC…The National FFA Foundation will award more than $2 million in college scholarships to FFA members in 2010, according to John W. Parris, state director of public affairs with the SC FFA organization.

Scholarships will be awarded to FFA members who are seniors in high school or, in some cases, college freshmen. The scholarships are awarded for a wide variety of experiences, career goals or higher education plans and may be used at colleges, universities or other post-secondary schools. They are sponsored by numerous agricultural businesses and individuals as a special project of the National FFA Foundation.

Applications are online now but must be filed electronically or postmarked by February 15, 2010, to be eligible for consideration. Detailed information about the scholarships, including viewing the guide book and application, is available at www.ffa.org/scholarships

“South Carolina FFA members are encouraged to contact the Agricultural Education instructor/FFA advisor in their high school for assistance in applying for one of the many scholarships,” Parris said.

The major factors used in selecting recipients of these scholarships include: (1) Academic Achievement—Grade Point Average, ACT or SAT score and class rank; (2) Leadership in the FFA and Community; and (3) Supervised Agricultural Experience Program.

The mission of the FFA 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.

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Note to Editor: For additional information contact John W. Parris at 803-771-0520.