While attending the National FFA Convention, the West Holmes FFA had two members receive their American Degree. Tyler Schonauer and Cynthia Bunch were among more than 3,000 members who received this degree. To earn this degree you must meet minimum requirements of earning or investing $7,500 in your SAE, earning a state degree, records of participation in a variety of FFA, school, and community activities, as well as completing the equivalent of 540 hours of classroom time.

Tyler is the son of Albert and Beth Schonauer. Tyler was a 2010 graduate of West Holmes, and served as president and treasurer of the chapter. He was involved in contests such as Parliamentary Procedure and Ag Sales. He was also a finalist in the Veterinary Medicine Proficiency and placed third in the state. Tyler’s SAE involved him shadowing and working with Dr. Mary Uhl and Dr. Brad Garrison. He has also worked on various dairy farms and showed dairy cattle on the county and state level. Currently, Tyler is attending The Ohio State University ATI and is studying animal science with an interest in dairy. He would then like to go on to become a large animal vet.

Cynthia Bunch is the daughter of Ross Bunch and Jeanie Miller. Cynthia was a 2010 graduate of West Holmes. Cynthia served as the chapter secretary. She was involved in Ag Sales, Ag Communications, and Parliamentary Procedure. Her SAE involved her working on the family shorthorn cattle farm and showing at the county, state, and national level. Cynthia also served as the 2010-2011 National Shorthorn Queen. Cynthia was also a state winner in Agriculture Communications Proficiency her junior year of high school. Currently Cynthia is attending a community college in Bradenton, Fla., and has recently applied for an internship, which would allow her to travel to Germany for agriculture interests.