Saline Resident Awarded FFA American Degree

Washtenaw County Farm Bureau (WCFB) Young Farmer Marie Marion of Saline has earned a 2012 FFA (Future Farmers of America) American Degree. Marion is one of 43 Michigan recipients of this year’s award and the only one from Washtenaw County.

According to its website, The FFA American Degree is awarded to FFA members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to FFA and made significant accomplishments in their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs). Approximately 3,500 American FFA Degrees are handed out each year. That number represents less than half of one percent of all FFA members, making it one of the organization’s highest honors.

Marie is the daughter of Paul and Connie Marion and a 2009 graduate of Saline High School where she was a member of the Saline FFA Chapter led by David Mellor the agricultural sciences instructor. Marion was an officer of the chapter thru all four years of high school; two as its president.

“I’m so excited to wear my blue coat one last time to receive this award," said Marion. “FFA activities helped me get thru high school and some very difficult health challenges. I’m proud to continue the FFA tradition in our family.

Marion is the eleventh member of her family to belong to the Saline FFA program.

“My Dad still has his FFA coat," she said.

Marion was co-chair of the 2012 WCFB Membership Drive, and is an active member of the WCFB Promotion and Education Committee. She has devoted many hours of volunteer service to the county farm bureau and MSU Extension activities. In addition to helping on her family farm and working full time, she is also pursuing her goal to become a Veterinary Technician.