RUSHVILLE, Ind. – Levi Marlatt, current FFA member, has been nominated as a National Proficiency Finalist. Marlatt’s supervised agricultural experience (SAE) category is Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication.

The National FFA Agricultural Proficiency Awards honor FFA members who, through their SAEs, have developed specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers. Marlatt has used his SAE to create a small business that will help him in any future career.

Holly Wagner, Marlatt’s FFA Advisor, said, “When Levi was a sophomore in high school, we attended a National FFA Convention session honoring the top proficiency award winners in the nation. Levi set a goal that day and told me I would see him on that stage someday. I cannot wait to cheer for him in October when he is honored on stage and celebrate the accomplishment of his goal.”

Marlatt has stated that his roles, responsibilities and management decisions of his small business have expanded greatly from his proficiency with the FFA. He has designed and constructed agricultural equipment for farmers from eight states. Marlatt’s public speaking skills have also been expanded from this small business. Without the SAE program within the FFA this may not have been possible.

When asked about his SAE, Marlatt said, “Build quality into everything you do.”  Marlatt has used that philosophy to build a successful business that he plans to continue in the future.

The top four National Proficiency finalists recently interviewed over Zoom.  Marlatt will be told his final ranking at the National Convention in October. Marlatt has already earned $500 for being a finalist. If he is named the national winner, he will earn an additional $500. You can see the results in person or on RFD TV on Oct. 27 at 2 p.m.

Rushville FFA has 116 members. The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success.