www.roanoke.com

Nadia Charity received the American FFA Degree at the 81st National FFA Convention in Indianapolis on Saturday, Oct. 25. It is the highest degree awarded by the National FFA Organization and recognizes Nadia's demonstrated leadership abilities and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing and service program.

Less than one 150 FFA members advance through their local chapter and state FFA degree programs to earn this national degree. Nadia, the daughter of Ralph and Cathy Charity, is currently of Cloveralde and a sophomore at James River Madison University. She is a member of the Lord Botetourt FFA Chapter and her agricultural education instructor and FFA advisor is Stuart Byrd.

Nadia received a gold American FFA Degree key and certificate in a blue leatherette frame to commemorate the achievement. The recognition program is sponsored by Case IH, The Farm Credit System Foundation and Pioneer HiBred International, Inc. and Syngenta, as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. The national FFA convention is the nation's largest annual youth gathering, welcoming students, parents and educators from all across the United States.