LANSING – State Representative John Espinoza (D-Croswell) has received awards from the state FFA and the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts in recognition of his work on behalf of agricultural education and natural resource conservation.
"Rep. Espinoza was honored for his tireless dedication to the future of Michigan agriculture through our youth," said Alexandria Henry, 2007-2008 State President of the Michigan FFA Association. "With his support, the Michigan FFA will continue to prepare tomorrow's leaders for the more than 300 careers encompassed in agriculture."
Espinoza was delighted to accept the award from Amanda Sollman of Brown City, who is the 2007-2008 FFA State Secretary, at Michigan FFA's 80th annual convention last week. About 1,800 students from around the state gathered at Michigan State University for the convention, held in conjunction with MSU's Agriculture and Natural Resources Week.
Espinoza was also recognized by the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts last week during a reception at the State Capitol.
"Rep. Espinoza's commitment to conservation districts and the programs they provide for Michigan land owners has been invaluable," said Mike Lawless, president of the association. "We are proud to have Rep. Espinoza's support as we work to improve the ways that our state's natural resources are treated and managed."
Espinoza said he was honored to be recognized by each organization.
"I was thrilled to accept the FFA award from Amanda and, as always, I was very impressed by the quality of our young agricultural leaders from the Thumb," Espinoza said. "Supporting FFA is a priority for me because it represents the future of our agricultural industry and an important part of moving our agricultural economy forward so we can create more jobs for our workers.
"I am also very proud to be honored by the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts, which is doing vital work to protect our natural resources. It means a lot to me to be recognized for working with our conservation districts to ensure that we are being good stewards of our land."