Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Three New Jerseyans Recognized with Honorary American FFA Degree
| For Immediate Release: November 2001 | Contact: | Hope Gruzlovic
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Three supporters of New Jersey agricultural education, Susan R. Butch of Trenton, Michael Iannitelli of Phillipsburg and William N. Brooks of Elmer, were presented with the Honorary American FFA Degree by the National FFA Organization at the 74th National FFA Convention in Louisville, KY, in October. The award is presented to those individuals who advance agricultural education and the FFA through outstanding personal commitment and is the highest degree that can be bestowed upon a non-member. Butch, a 27-year employee of the New Jersey Department of Agriculture in Trenton, has assisted New Jersey agricultural education by serving as a judge for state career development events; coordinating facilities and contracts for conferences and conventions, as well as helping to provide agricultural education technology grants and equipment to New Jersey's FFA chapters. Iannitelli, a principal engineering aide at the Warren County Engineers Office in Belvidere, has shown his support of agricultural education by serving as the treasurer of the New Jersey FFA Foundation for the past 11 years. The Foundation is an organization that provides financial support to agricultural education activities. Iannitelli, a former FFA member who served as a state FFA officer, has served as a judge for state FFA convention and seeks to promote agricultural education through his involvement in the local, county and state Grange. Brooks has been a strong supporter of the State FFA Association, the State FFA Alumni Association and Woodstown FFA chapter by serving on the Advisory Committee for the local agricultural education program, actively participating in the local FFA Alumni affiliate and helping raise funds to enable students to attend leadership conferences and conventions. Brooks and his wife, Diane, operate a 520-acre vegetable farm in Salem County. Their son, Michael, currently serves as State FFA president. The FFA is a national organization of 457,278 members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. In New Jersey, 2,052 members strive to make a positive difference by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. |
New Jersey State FFA Officers recently joined in congratulating New Jersey's Honorary American FFA Degree recipients recognized at the 74th National FFA Convention in Louisville, Ky. From left to right, Brian Dalbow, State FFA Sentinel; Erin Zukus, State FFA Vice President; Michael Iannitelli; Susan Butch; William Brooks; Michael Brooks, State FFA President; and Christopher Nnadi, State FFA Treasurer.