Making FFA history: Indiana quadruplets all earn American FFA Degrees in same year

Jessica Mozo | 03/09/2011 |

When Indiana quadruplets Malena, Primmer, John and Lucia Zook received their American FFA Degrees in October 2010 at the national FFA convention, it made FFA history. Although hundreds of FFA members receive the degree at the convention each year, it was the first time a set of quadruplets received the highest FFA honor at the same time.

The Zook siblings from Flora, Ind., spent six years in FFA at the junior- and senior-high level in the Carroll FFA Chapter. Their agriculture teacher, Steve Keown, wasn’t surprised at the Zooks’ high achievement.

“The kind of example the Zooks set was outstanding,” Keown says. “They would go out of their way to make our chapter better. When they volunteered to do something, you knew it was going to get done on time and correctly. They set examples by showing FFA is more than contests and conventions.

They worked very hard in all our community service projects and would take the time to help other members or coach younger members in activities they had done.”

A Natural Fit

Born one minute apart (from oldest to youngest), Primmer, Malena, Lucia and John grew up on a farm. Their involvement in FFA came naturally, as they followed in the footsteps of their older brother, Jordon, who gained a lot from his FFA involvement.

“Growing up, I remember going to banquets and seeing Jordon in Official Dress,” Lucia recalls. “I looked up to our older brother and saw how involved he was in FFA. I wanted to be just like him.”

Soon the quadruplets found themselves donning blue and gold jackets like their big brother and gaining skills such as leadership, public speaking and responsibility.

“FFA got me to break out of my comfort zone and meet new people,” Lucia says. “When I zipped up my FFA jacket, I became more confident in myself.”

Malena says it is hard to describe the extent to which FFA has impacted her life.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the experience and knowledge I gained from FFA,” she says. “Not only did I gain confidence and a wealth of knowledge about the agriculture industry, I also learned what it meant to be an authentic leader. Because of FFA, and specifically my SAE [supervised agricultural experience program] and proficiency area, I was able to learn about what I’m passionate about and get a head start on what I want to study in college.”

Varied Career Goals

Although the four siblings have much in common, the now-college sophomores have very different interests and career goals. Malena is studying informatics at Indiana University and plans to pursue a career that combines technology and education. Lucia is studying nursing at Vincennes University and wants to conduct animal-assisted therapy. Primmer is majoring in exercise science at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and hopes to work in physical therapy and athletic training. And John’s passion lies in production agriculture and animal science – he attends Ivy Tech Community College and plans to operate a large farm of his own one day.

“I would like to make my living with livestock, whether it be with show pigs or cattle,” John says. “I have my own sow herd where I sell show pigs, and I plan to continue that business.”

Highest FFA Honor

Throughout their FFA careers, the siblings worked toward their American FFA Degrees, supporting one another along the way.

“Being the highest award FFA gives out, I thought it would be excellent to have on my resume,” Primmer says. “Also since my three other siblings were working toward it, I didn’t want to be left out. So that motivated me.”

Though they each had different SAEs, Primmer and John worked together on a demonstration for a district contest on how to process baby pigs.

“The four of us each had our own interests, proficiencies, contests and activities we participated in, but we have always known receiving our American FFA Degrees would be something we all worked toward,” Malena says. “We each had different ways of getting there, but we were all working toward the same goal.”

Among other achievements, Malena was on a national third-place dairy team that went to Europe and was a national finalist in the agricultural communications proficiency. John was a state winner and national silver winner in the beef production proficiency. Lucia had a district-winning natural resources demonstration that went to state level. And Primmer was on district-winning chapter meeting teams.

“All of them have always been devoted to FFA. I knew if something was their goal, they could get it done,” Keown says. “We had 10 students achieve the American FFA Degree this year, and all from the same class. I don’t know how to put it other than they are just great kids, and I’m proud to say they are from the Carroll FFA Chapter.”

Treasured Memories

Now miles apart at different colleges after living together for 18 years, the quadruplets treasure their FFA memories and the honor they shared when they walked the convention stage last fall.

“It’s such a great feeling to hear your name called and walk across that stage in front of thousands of people in Lucas Oil Stadium,” Lucia says. “It’s like an FFA graduation not many people get to do.”

Malena says receiving the degree was the “perfect way to end my FFA career.”

“After being in college for a year and a half, I have realized the significant impact FFA has had on me,” she continues. “I hope younger members will take advantage of all FFA can do for them as well.”

About the American FFA Degree

Interested in achieving the highest honor in FFA? The American FFA Degree is awarded to FFA members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to FFA and made significant accomplishments in their SAEs. Along with the degree, recipients receive a gold American FFA Degree key.To qualify, FFA members must:
Have received a Greenhand FFA Degree, Chapter FFA Degree and State FFA Degree.

• Have been FFA members for at least three years.

• Have completed at least three years (540 hours) of high school agriculture classes, or 2 years of high school agriculture classes and one year of college agriculture classes (360 hours.)

• Have graduated from high school one year prior to the national FFA convention at which their degree will be awarded.

• Have maintained detailed SAErecords, which demonstrate outstanding planning, managerial and financial skills.

• Have earned and productively invested at least $7,500, or have earned and productively invested at least $1,500 and worked 2,250 hours beyond scheduled school hours through their SAEs.

• Have a record of outstanding leadership skills.

• Have a record of participating in community service activities.

• Have maintained a “C” grade average or better.

Visit www.ffa.org for more information. You can also e-mail americandegree@ffa.org or call 317-802-4255.

Jessica Mozo

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