The National FFA organization recently selected, from a pool of 660 candidates nationwide, the Newton County FFA chapter of Covington, as a two-star winner in the National FFA Chapter Award program. Chapter members have been invited to attend the 2012 National FFA Convention & Expo Oct. 24-27 in Indianapolis where they will be recognized for the honor. The award program is sponsored by John Deere as a special project of the National FFA Foundation.

"The Newton High FFA has a long-standing tradition of demonstrating excellence in agricultural education," said Craig Lockhart, principal of Newton High. "FFA takes its mission seriously and represents the school and community well. I am very proud of the efforts of this organization."

The National FFA Chapter Award program recognizes FFA chapters for developing and conducting a detailed program of activities. Each activity provides opportunities for FFA members to excel in one of three areas - student, chapter or community development. Every year, FFA chapters are recognized as having earned a one-two-or three-star rating on their application. The three-star rating is the highest level of accomplishment an FFA chapter may achieve.