(Gloucester Township, NJ) – The National FFA Organization, a group which works to enhance the lives of youth through agricultural education, recently selected Brian Burns, Landscape Architecture teacher at the Gloucester Township Campus of Camden County Technical Schools (CCTS), to receive the Honorary American FFA Degree. The award is given to those who advance agricultural education and FFA through outstanding personal commitment.
“Congratulations and thank you to Brian who has mentored hundreds of students during his many years as an educator at CCTS,” said Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the CCTS. “Brian and his students have worked throughout Camden County on community-oriented projects that improved the quality of life of thousands of our residents. We are extremely glad that he chose to spend his career with us, and we are forever grateful for all that he has contributed to our county.”
The Honorary American FFA Degree is an opportunity to recognize those who have gone beyond valuable daily contributions to make an extraordinary long-term difference in the lives of students, inspiring confidence in a new generation of agriculturists. Members of the National FFA Organization’s board of directors approved the nomination. Burns will receive the award during the 2020 National FFA Convention & Expo, to be held virtually, in October.
All recipients will receive a plaque and medal, and their names will be permanently recorded as recipients of FFA’s highest honor. In 2003, Burns received the Honorary NJ State Degree, which is the highest level of achievement that can be bestowed upon an FFA advisor by the state FFA association.
“On behalf of the students, staff, and administration at CCTS, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Burns on this well-deserved recognition,” said Wanda Pichardo, Principal. “He is a dedicated staff member who goes above and beyond for his students, his district, and the community, and is wished the very best in his retirement.”
For more about Brian Burns, his career, and this award, please visit the CCTS here.
About National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 760,000 student members as part of 8,700 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook and Twitter.
About National FFA Foundation
The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders and support the future of agricultural education. A separately registered non-profit organization, the foundation is governed by a board of trustees that includes the national FFA president, educators, business leaders and individual donors. For more, visit FFA.org/Give.