By Haley Mitchell Godwin

Owen Michael Russell, valedictorian of Luverne High School’s 2022 graduating class, has earned the American FFA Degree, the highest honor awarded by the National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Organization. Russell, the son of Amy and Jason McManigle and Mike Russell, received this prestigious recognition at the 97th National FFA Convention and Expo held Oct. 23-26 in Indianapolis. 

Now a junior at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Georgia, Russell’s achievement reflects a commitment to hard work, family values and a deep passion for agriculture.

“Owen Russell is highly deserving of this honor from the FFA,” said Matthew Pippin, FFA advisor at Luverne High School. “He has an incredible work ethic and is an outstanding young man. His dedication to hard work and excellence has led him to success as an agriculture student, and this recognition is well-earned.”

To qualify for the American FFA Degree, members must meet stringent criteria, including earning a State FFA Degree, maintaining three years of active FFA membership, completing secondary agricultural education, demonstrating leadership, academic excellence and community service.

Crenshaw County Schools’ Director of Career Technical Education Ashley Oglesby Catrett said that Russell’s confidence and smarts were instilled by his late mother, Amy Johnson McManigle,who encouraged him to pursue his dreams. 

“Owen has a profound respect for agriculture, especially here in Alabama, and earning the American FFA Degree has been Owen’s long term goal,” Catrett said. “Owen unexpectedly lost his mom this past December, but he honored her drive and determination by achieving this goal. I promised him and his mother I’d support him through it, and I know Amy’s smile lit up Heaven that day.”

According to Russell, his ambition was definitely further fueled by his mother’s unwavering support and inspiration and by the strong support of many other family members, including his stepdad, Jason McManigle, who has been a tremendous source of encouragement throughout his journey. 

Russell’s passion for agriculture began with his grandfather, Harvey Johnson, who continues to keep horses and plant a garden each year. Inspired by his grandfather, Russell started his own garden in high school, sharing his harvest with neighbors and learning hands-on agricultural skills.

 Russell expressed gratitude for his grandfather and for the support of those that have helped him along the way. 

“It was truly an honor to be the first one from the county chapter to receive the FFA American degree,” Russell said. “Back in 2018 when I was in ninth grade, Mr. Pippin asked if anyone was interested in competing in livestock judging. My grandfather Harvey Johnson introduced me to farming and I grew up helping him with various farm chores so I decided I would give it a try. Through Mr. Pippin I met Mrs. Catrett and my FFA career took off.”

Russell’s FFA journey allowed him to travel and connect with fellow agricultural students, where he noticed a worrying decline in farming throughout the South. 

“Seeing so many ‘for sale’ signs and witnessing the decline of farming in Crenshaw and Pike Counties is heartbreaking,” he said. “To secure our future, we must preserve and promote agriculture.”

Russell also stressed that FFA offers opportunities far beyond agriculture. He emphasized that FFA helps students with public speaking, builds confidence and exposes them to experiences they might not otherwise have.

Currently, Russell is working toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture with a concentration in crop production and aims to pursue a Master’s in Agronomy. His future plans include becoming an extension agent or working with a large agricultural company, a career path driven by his commitment to advancing agriculture in the South.