MACON, Ga. – Winners of the Employment Skills Leadership Development Event (LDE) were recognized at the 96^th Georgia FFA State Convention held at the Macon Centreplex on April 25-27, 2024. 

Jackson Griffeth of Houston County was the state winner, followed by Megan Jacobs of Jefferson City and Harrison Russ of Citizens Christan finishing second and third, respectively. 

CDE and LDE awards are granted to FFA members and teams who have exhibited premier leadership, personal growth and career success in a variety of competitions. The FFA Employment Skills LDE is an individual event. The event is developed to help participants in their current job search for part-time and full-time employment.

The Employment Skills Leadership Development Event was sponsored at the state level by Parrish Construction.

All individual and team winners received a plaque and a cash award. The winner received $100. The second place individual received $50 and third place individual received $25. Additionally, the advisor of the state winning individual received a $100 cash award. 

The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, changed its name in 1988 to reflect the growth and diversity of agriculture. There are nearly 940,000 FFA members nationwide. The Georgia Association has more than 80,000 members, making it the third largest Association in the nation.  The 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.