As someone who didn't grow up on a farm or around anything remotely related to agriculture, Katie Cink would have never guessed she’d be pursuing a career in agricultural education, let alone earning the FFA’s highest award, the American FFA Degree.
But Cink, a 2023 Cleveland High School graduate, credits the school's agriculture education program with shaping both her career path and her identity. At the heart of that journey was her former teacher, Kelly (Susa) Stanek.
“I give a lot of credit to my success in agriculture to Kelly,” Cink said. “She really inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and get into an industry I knew nothing about. Without her and a helpful nudge from high school friends Lily Draheim and Serena Remiger, I would not be receiving this award or even be on track to be an agriculture educator.”
Cink will receive the award at the FFA’s national convention in Indianapolis next month.
According to the FFA website, this honor is the highest and most prestigious in the organization, representing the gold standard. Fewer than one percent of all FFA members earn it. The award recognizes hard work on supervised agricultural projects, strong leadership and dedicated community service throughout a member's FFA career.
Getting to her degree took years of hard work and dedication, and Cink recognizes the immense effort required to earn this high honor. To qualify for the American FFA Degree, she had to meet several requirements:
Satisfactorily complete the equivalent of at least three years (540 hours) of systematic secondary or postsecondary school instruction in an agricultural education program.
Maintain detailed records to substantiate an outstanding, ongoing SAE program.
Earn at least $10,000 and productively invest $7,500, OR earn and productively invest $2,000 while working at least 2,250 hours outside of scheduled class time.
Participate in at least 50 hours of community service across a minimum of three different community service activities.
Demonstrate a record of outstanding leadership abilities and active community involvement.
Hold the State FFA Degree.
As she looks ahead to her career in agriculture, earning the FFA degree holds deep significance for Cink, serving as a celebration of her hard work and a first for the Cleveland FFA chapter
“To me, earning this degree is incredibly special. I went through a lot of trial and error when it came to applying and meeting all the requirements. I am so proud to have finally accomplished this and to be the first Cleveland FFA member to receive an American Degree since our rechartering.”
Beyond the classroom, Cink emphasizes that her achievements were a team effort.
“I had an amazing support system, not only in my personal life but also at school,” she added. “My family, friends and teachers all supported me throughout high school, which allowed me to follow my dreams and be in the agriculture industry. I am incredibly grateful for all they have done for me.”
Cink currently attends the University of Wisconsin - River Falls, where she is a senior majoring in Agricultural Education with a minor in Animal Science. Her career goals center on becoming an educator in agricultural advocacy and leadership.
“Right now, that looks like going into the classroom to teach agricultural education and pursuing higher education in animal science,” she explained.
Although she is no longer an active student FFA member, Cink has remained heavily involved in an organization she deeply loves while making a lasting impact on students.
As a facilitator over the past year, she has assisted at youth conferences that focused on developing leadership skills. These events take place across the country and serve students in grades 7 through 12, varying by location. Most recently, she spent the summer facilitating week-long sessions at the National FFA Washington Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.
She will receive her American FFA Degree and work backstage at the National FFA convention and expo, which will be held in Indianapolis on October 21-24. The event will be attended by current Cleveland students.
Cink is the daughter of Dave and Jenny Cink.
About FFA
FFA is a dynamic youth organization that changes lives and prepares members for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
FFA develops members’ potential and helps them discover their talent through hands-on experiences, which give members the tools to achieve real-world success. Members are future chemists, veterinarians, government officials, entrepreneurs, bankers, international business leaders, teachers and premier professionals in many career fields.
FFA is an intracurricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership. It is one of the three components of agricultural education. Today, there are more than 1,053,847 FFA members, aged 12-21, in 9,591 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
FFA Vision: Growing the next generation of leaders who will change the world.
FFA Mission: FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
The Agricultural Education Mission: Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resources systems.
The National FFA Organization affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and seeks diversity in its membership, leadership and staff as an equal opportunity employer.
Above: Katie Cink on the capital steps during her trip to Washington last summer
Katie Cink speaks to youth during her work as an FFA facilitator.
Photos courtesy of Katie Cink