[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 160 (Tuesday, November 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1625-E1626]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE FFA'S 2013 NATIONAL MODEL OF EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM KINZINGER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 12, 2013

  Mr. KINZINGER of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
Pontiac Chapter of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) for being named 
the 2013 Model of Excellence chapter during the Eighty-Sixth National 
FFA Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.
   FFA Chapters across the country that receive national three-star 
ratings are eligible candidates for the National Model of Excellence 
Award. The National FFA Organization consists of 579,678 students in 
all fifty states that are a part of 7,570 local chapters, making the 
competition for this prestigious award extremely demanding. While the 
Pontiac Chapter excelled in community and school development, it was 
especially successful in the area

[[Page E1626]]

of chapter development as shown through their recruitment and retention 
of new members. The chapter made presentations to area middle schools 
that feed into their high school and were able to sign up 88 new 
members for the introduction to agriculture class. Additionally, the 
chapter worked with over 1,000 elementary students to increase their 
agricultural literacy and reading skills.
   Farmers across the United States are responsible for providing food 
to families around the world and Illinois is at the forefront of this 
driver to our economy. There are over 76,000 farms in Illinois and the 
state is ranked second in the United States for agricultural commodity 
exports with nearly $4 billion worth exported to other countries 
annually. The FFA helps keep this critical industry going by inspiring 
our youth to consider careers in agriculture and developing their 
leadership abilities for all facets of life.
   Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 16th District of Illinois, I am 
pleased to honor the Pontiac FFA Chapter for their impressive 
accomplishments and for receiving this distinguished award. I wish 
these students the best of luck in their future endeavors.

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