Dalhart FFA members earn top honors
Two young Dalhart men learned this week that they will receive the highest honor bestowed by the National FFA Organization at its convention in October. Less than one percent of Future Farmers of America members achieve this goal.
Andrew Berngen and John Taylor, members of the Dalhart FFA chapter and Dalhart High Class of 2023, will be awarded the American FFA Degree on Oct. 26 in Indianapolis, IN, said their former Ag Science teacher Andrew Hokanson.
To be eligible, FFA members must have earned at least $10,000 or earned at least $2,000 and worked at least 2,250 hours outside of class time through a supervised agricultural experience program in which they own their own business, hold a professional position as an employee, or conduct research.
Recipients must also complete 50 hours of community service and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement through the completion of a long list of FFA and community activities.
Berngen worked as a farmhand at Hip-O Angus all four years of high school. He was a member of the Dalhart Welding Program and Senior Parliamentary Procedure Team. Hokanson, who is also DHS FFA advisor, said Berngen was a “strong” member of the Livestock Judging Team, as well as an FFA officer, serving as Student Advisor his senior year.
He currently attends West Texas A&M University as an Agricultural Business major and is very active in community service organizations.
“Andrew is the true meaning of a servant leader,” Hokanson said. “He would do anything for anyone no matter the cost.”
Taylor worked as a farmhand and herdman at 97 Farms and Dorper Sheep throughout high school. He was a member of what Hokanson termed the “very successful” Dairy Cattle Judging Team and the Senior Parliamentary Procedure Team. He also served as president of the Dalhart FFA Chapter his senior year.
He attends Texas Tech University as an Engineering major.
“John served as a vital role model to younger students and encouraged them to try new things and grow as people, both in and out of FFA,” Hokanson recalled.
The American FFA Degree is sponsored by Cargill, Case IH, John Deere and Syngenta. The award is only given to those FFA members who show the utmost dedication to the organization through their desire to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
“The Dalhart FFA is very proud of both of these young men for all their hard work and accomplishments both in and out of high School,” Hokanson said. “They have been a vital part of the success of Dalhart FFA and they are destined to succeed in their future endeavors.”
For the full story SUBSCRIBE to the online edition of The Dalhart Texan, call (806) 244-4511 to setup a subscription to our physical paper or pick a copy up at one of our many convenient news rack locations. You can also stop by and purchase a paper or subscription in person at our news office located at 410 Denrock Ave.
