Three American Star finalists from the same chapter

The National FFA Organization has named the sixteen finalists for the four American Star awards and three of them are from the same chapter in Wisconsin. Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA member Alex Zimmerman is one of the four finalists for the American Star Farmer, Ben Alsum is a finalist for the Star in Agribusiness and Tony Crescio is a finalist for the Star in Agricultural Placement. With 341 members, Randolph Cambria-Friesland is the largest FFA chapter in Wisconsin and has had individual American Star finalists the past two years.

The “Stars” recognize students who have developed outstanding agricultural skill and competency through their career development programs, demonstrated outstanding management skills, earned the American FFA Degree and met other agricultural education, scholarship and leadership requirements.

Each star finalist receives $2,000 from the National FFA. A panel of judges will interview the finalists and select one winner for each award at the 82nd National FFA Convention, October 21-24, in Indianapolis.

The 16 finalists are:

Star Farmer:
Andrew Pachta – Linn FFA, Kansas
Andrew K. Baird – Spencer County FFA, Kentucky
Slade Don Nightengale – Cordell FFA, Oklahoma
Alex Zimmerman – Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA, Wisconsin

Star in Agribusiness:
Rodney Bingel – Marissa FFA, Illinois
James Hutto – Riverton FFA, Kansas
Kristie M. Folk – Central Columbia FFA, Pennsylvania
Benjamin R. Alsum – Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA, Wisconsin

Star in Agricultural Placement:
Kyle Stockwell – Prairie Heights FFA, Indiana
Mycah A. McColm – Riverton FFA, Kansas
Kodee Schell – Manila FFA, Utah
Tony J. Crescio – Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA, Wisconsin

Star in Agriscience:
Kaitlynn Neville – North High-Bakersfield FFA, California
Stephanie Mitchell, Spencer County FFA, Kentucky
Amy Lynn Robak, Foley FFA, Minnesota
Nathan Fuchs – Cameron Yoe FFA, Texas