LEWISTOWN — Alexis Casner doesn’t mind becoming a statistic, especially since she’s with elite company.

Every year, less than one percent of all Future Farmers of America members are awarded the prestigious American FFA Degree, which is awarded by the National FFA organization to celebrate members who show dedication to the organization beyond their high school years.

Casner, a 2023 graduate of Mifflin County High School and member of the Big Valley FFA, became a part of that rarified group when she received the honor at this year’s National FFA Convention and Expo held in Indianapolis, Ind., on Nov. 1.

The 20-year-old Casner is a junior at Penn State University majoring in animal science with a minor in livestock production. Casner stays busy when she’s not in the classroom, as she helps to manage AK Show pigs and RABLZ Showstock alongside her family and attend various livestock shows across the state.

“What sparked my interest in FFA was my passion for showing livestock and the agricultural industry,” Casner explained.

Casner also graduated from the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology. Agriculture instructor and Big Valley FFA Advisor Nicolette Cusate said to earn the American FFA Degree, a member has to meet so many hours and dollar requirements based on their supervised agricultural experience (SAE).

“The American FFA Degree represents the highest level of achievement within the National FFA Organization,” Cusate said. “Alexis’s accomplishment demonstrates exceptional perseverance, growth, and engagement in her agricultural experiences. Everyone in the agricultural sciences program is so proud of her, and she serves as an inspiration for other members to earn their American Degree in the future.”

There is also book work, community service, chapter and state activities and more than allow a person to work their way toward the prestigious honor.

“I didn’t think FFA would have impacted my life as much as it has,” Casner said. “FFA helped me become the person I am today. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, opened doors I never thought would be opened and gave me countless opportunities through the good and the bad experiences.”

The Mifflin County graduate said receiving the American FFA Degree provided the opportunity to attend her second National FFA Convention.

Casner’s path to the degree included an application process that was reviewed by another FFA chapter teacher in another school district. Following that stage, Casner’s application moved on to state and national level approval.

“The best thing about FFA was the friendships I formed and the people I met,” Casner added. “Without them I wouldn’t be where I’m at today and have the success that I have.”

Upon graduation from Penn State University, Casner hopes to pursue a career in the field of reproduction of beef cattle.