Warner's Ag Chair Justin Sharpless Honored by National FFA

The chair of Warner University's agricultural studies department, Justin Sharpless, is one of three alumni being recognized by the National FFA for outstanding support of the organization. The other two honorees are from Wisconsin and Oregon.

The awards honor FFA alumni and supporters across the nation who donate their time, talent and financial resources to support current FFA members. They are being presented this week at the 93rd National FFA Convention and Expo.

In announcing his recognition, the National FFA called Sharpless "a true servant leader." They said he helps coach the Lake Wales FFA Agriculture Issues and Livestock Evaluation teams and has served as vice-president and president of the Lake Wales FFA Alumni and Supporters Chapter.

Sharpless started a back to school BBQ to help grow alumni membership and is instrumental in implementing a Boston Butt fundraiser, sending FFA members to local and state events.

In addition, Sharpless serves as a member of the Lake Wales High School Career and Technical Education Advisory Board and helps advocate for career and technical education. He has served as a national delegate for the Florida FFA Alumni Association and is a former Florida FFA State Officer.

As chair of the Warner University agricultural studies department, Sharpless started the Warner University State Officer Preparation Academy and taught at Camp Roar, an agricultural summer camp.

"I am honored and humbled to receive this award from an organization that has done so much for me," Sharpless said. "It started in high school when my agriculture teacher, Milton Bryan, inspired me to get involved in FFA and invested in my leadership development.

"The FFA helped me find my career and passion for educating about agriculture. I hope to do the same for others."

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. National FFA Alumni & Supporters have more than 637,800 members and 2,466 chapters.