Nineteen individuals will be honored in an onstage ceremony with the VIP Citation at this year’s National FFA Convention & Expo, held in Indianapolis Oct. 24-27. The VIP Citation recognizes individuals’ significant contributions to FFA and 
agricultural education.
Those individuals receiving this distinction include Jim Aschwanden of Galt, Calif.; Greg Beard of San Luis Obispo, Calif.; Michael Kent Boggs of Stillwater, Okla.; Dr. Larry Case of Fredericksburg, Va.; Larry Church of Fruitland, Idaho; H. Keith Cox of Latta, S.C.; Roberta Crabtree of Lafayette, Ind.; Dr. Brad Dodson of Chico, Calif.; Dr. Larry Gossen of Indianapolis, Ind.; Jack Havens of Brea, Calif.; Jason Hughes of Ravenswood, W.Va.; Dr. Karen Hutchison of Indianapolis, Ind.; Paul Larson of Freedom, Wis.; Milton Natusch of Mansfield Center, Conn.; The Honorable Sonny Perdue of Washington, D.C.; Leslie “Les” Purcella of Albuquerque, N.M.; Richard Roller of Racine, Mo.; Glenn Sims of Mukwonago, Wis.; and Jim Wells of Rogersville, Tenn.
“The VIP Award recognizes the dedicated individuals who contribute to the FFA mission of student success through their hard work and cooperation,” National FFA chief executive officer Mark Poeschl said. “Without such strong and outstanding commitment, FFA would not be able to help build strong character in its members, who in turn build strong families, communities and businesses.”
The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 669,989 student members who belong to one of 8,630 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is also supported by 344,239 alumni members in 2,051 alumni chapters throughout the U.S.
Source: Future Farmers of America