Penn State Alum to receive the Honorary American Degree

Mr. Paul Heasley has taught at SCASD for 24 years, and
been an FFA advisor for 36 years.
Photo courtesy of scasd.org

Mr. Paul Heasley has been teaching in the State College Area School District for 24 years, and has been an FFA advisor for 36 years. Back in October of 2017, during his last year of teaching, Mr. Heasley was honored as a distinguished alumnus of the State College Area School District. Now, one year later, he will be recognized again for his time and dedication to his thousands of students and to Agricultural Education as a whole as he receives the Honorary American Degree through the National FFA Organization.

Mr. Heasley grew up right here in Happy Valley, graduating from State College Area High School in 1975 and graduating from The Pennsylvania State University several years later. Mr. Heasley has had incredible success as an agricultural teacher and an FFA advisor, shaping thousands of lives through his career by implementing high-quality agricultural education programs and showing dedication that reaches far beyond the classroom. During his time as an agricultural science teacher and FFA advisor, Mr. Heasley has acquired over $500,000 in grant money to offer opportunity and growth for his students and, in turn, the surrounding community.

Outside of the classroom, Mr. Heasley has been involved all around the Commonwealth working with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Soil Conservation Service, and serving on The Pennsylvania State University's Agricultural and Extension Education Advisory Committee. He's been able to advise and evaluate over 200 Agricultural and Extension Education students at The Pennsylvania State University who are now teaching students of their own. One of his greatest accomplishments was earning the Centre County Grange Fair's "Friend of the Fair" award, which he received in 2015 for his countless years of devotion to the annual event which is one of the largest grange fairs in the country.

Mr. Heasley teaching students about electric arc welding.
Photo courtesy of scasd.org 

He adds that, "...teaching Agricultural Sciences is more than a job or career - it is a lifestyle and holds so many rewards other than just a paycheck or other teaching positions. You become part of so many of your students' lives and families that will provide many benefits beyond the classroom walls."

The Honorary American Degree is the highest award an adult can receive through the National FFA Organization. There are quite a few boxes that need to be checked before someone is eligible to receive this award, and those that are nominated to receive the award by their state association have made great contributions to Agricultural Education and the FFA. More details about the award can be found here.

After being an agricultural teacher for over 30 years, we asked Mr. Heasley if he has any advice to share for current and new teachers and FFA advisors. He says that it's important to, "work at being the "lead learner" in your classroom as you grow professionally in the latest technologies found in the Ag industry. Become a part of your community and take leadership roles in Ag groups and PAAE." Staying ahead of the curve and staying connected to those you serve is an important part of being a teacher.

To make this honor even more bittersweet, Mr. Heasley will be receiving his Honorary American Degree alongside two of his former students receiving their American Degrees at the National FFA Convention in October. This student award is the is the highest award that can be given to an FFA member by the National FFA Organization, and analogous to the award Mr. Heasley will be receiving.

Both of these students, Megan Royer and Justin Kurtz, are pursuing degrees in Agricultural and Extension Education from Penn State. Megan thinks it's only appropriate that Mr. Heasley will be with them both in October; "I think it's fitting that he's getting it [the American Degree] with us, because I wouldn't be receiving my American Degree without him and who he's been. Everyone always says he's like the grandfather you've always needed... ...he really is awesome."

During his time as an FFA Advisor, Mr. Heasley now has taught two past Pennsylvania FFA State Officers and four American Degree Recipients.

Mr. Heasley, along with Pennsylvania's three other recipients of the Honorary American Degree, will be receiving this award at the 91st National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana, taking place from October 24th - 27th, 2018.



Want to read more about State College Area High School?

• November 2017 Program of the Month: State College Little Lions

Hunter Kauffman

Team Leader, @TeachAgPSU Communications

Wildlife and Fisheries Science

College of Agricultural Sciences