Sharon and Leo Schwartz of Washington, Kansas, received the VIP Award at the 89th Kansas FFA Convention on Thursday, June 1, on the Kansas State University Campus. Sharon Schwartz served as a legislator in the Kansas House of Representatives for the past 20 years, while Leo Schwartz was the first Kansas FFA Star Farmer in 1957. Together they now run Schwartz Family Farms, LLC.

“Representative Schwartz’s commitment to Kansas FFA is apparent through her many years of service to and support of agricultural education for many years,” said Grace Luebcke, Kansas FFA State Secretary. “And it’s a joy for us to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Leo Schwartz’s Star Farmer by recognizing him with the VIP Award today.”

During her time in the Kansas House of Representatives, Schwartz often hosted Kansas FFA students and introduced the state officers on the House floor. She has actively worked to advance and promote agriculture in Kansas through her role as chair of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and in many other organizations over the years.

“The VIP Award honors individuals who have dedicated many years of service to FFA and agricultural education,” said Luebcke. “Representative Schwartz believes in the leadership and experiences provided by FFA.”