Five Lawrence-Nelson Students Earn State FFA Degrees

Students recognized for achievements in supervised agricultural experience programs

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Five students from Lawrence-Nelson High School recently earned their FFA degrees, the highest degree in the Nebraska State FFA Association. The students participated in the District 6 state degree interviews and met all qualifications, including submitting two years of supervised agricultural experience (SAE) record books and passing an interview assessment.

Why it matters

Earning the State FFA Degree is a significant accomplishment that demonstrates the students' dedication to agricultural education and their development of technical knowledge and skills through their SAE programs. This recognition highlights the strength of the Lawrence-Nelson FFA chapter and the school's commitment to preparing students for careers in agriculture.

The details

The five students who earned their State FFA Degrees are Natalie Jacobitz, Owen Smiley, Nathan Pofahl, Nathan Stokes, and Kole Thompson. In addition, the Lawrence-Nelson FFA chapter had three district champions and four state qualifiers in the recent District 6 proficiency award judging, which recognizes students' achievements in their SAE programs.

  • The District 6 state degree interviews were held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Central Community College in Hastings.
  • The District 6 proficiency award judging was held recently.
  • The top three applications from each category after the Kearney judging on Saturday, February 21, 2026 will move on to competition at the State FFA Convention on March 25-27, 2026.

The players

Natalie Jacobitz

A Lawrence-Nelson FFA member who earned a gold award in wildlife production and management.

Owen Smiley

A Lawrence-Nelson FFA member who placed third in sheep production entrepreneurship.

Nathan Pofahl

A Lawrence-Nelson FFA member who earned a gold award in Ag mechanics design and fabrication.

Nathan Stokes

A Lawrence-Nelson FFA member who earned a gold award in beef production placement.

Kole Thompson

A Lawrence-Nelson FFA member who received a silver award in agricultural services.

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What’s next

The top three applications from each category after the Kearney judging on Saturday, February 21, 2026 will move on to competition at the State FFA Convention on March 25-27, 2026.

The takeaway

The achievements of the Lawrence-Nelson FFA students demonstrate the strength of the school's agricultural education program and the dedication of its students to developing their skills and knowledge in the field of agriculture. This recognition highlights the importance of hands-on learning and the valuable role that FFA plays in preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders.