Student Elizabeth Thies was one of less than 1 percent of FFA members across the United States to receive an American FFA Degree at the 89th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis.

Morningside College student Elizabeth Thies was one of less than 1 percent of FFA members across the United States to receive an American FFA Degree at the 89th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis.

Thies is a 2015 graduate of Sibley East-Arlington Senior High School in Arlington, Minn. At Morningside, she is majoring in applied agricultural and food studies with a minor in agribusiness.

FFA is an organization for students interested in agriculture and leadership. The American FFA Degree is for members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to FFA and made significant accomplishments in their supervised agricultural experiences.

Thies got agricultural experience working at the Sibley East School Garden, at her parent’s trucking company, and at Morningside College assisting with drones and plant systems. She also served as treasurer and president of the Sibley East FFA chapter and as treasurer and reporter for the Region VII FFA. She is currently treasurer for the Morningside College Ag Club. 

Thies attended the national convention with a Morningside delegation that included Tom Paulsen, associate professor and chair of applied agricultural and food studies; Chris Benson, director of applied agricultural and food studies; and students Nicole Langbein of Sac City, Iowa, and Keaten Miller of Charter Oak, Iowa.

“FFA has made a positive impact on my life,” Thies said. “From learning life skills to meeting people from across the country to conquering my fear of public speaking, being part of the FFA is one decision I will never regret.”

Thies is the daughter of Brian and Rosemary Thies of Green Isle, Minn.