Alexa Groeber enjoyed a memorable weekend at the FFA National Convention in Indianapolis on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.

In a span of 24 hours, the Montgomery County graduate was on the stage as a national finalist for the environmental science and national resources agricultural proficiency award and earned her American Degree, making it a great ending to a FFA career that started when she was a freshman. She later hung up her FFA jacket.

“It’s sad to see that chapter close in my life and I’ll be forever grateful for it,” Groeber said.

Groeber was one of four FFA members nationwide that were selected as national finalists in the environmental science and national resources agricultural proficiency. She didn’t win the national title as Olivia Hogg of LaGrange, Ga., came out on top. Jacob Zuniga of St. Helena, Calif., and Rylee Nelson of Waupaca, Wis., were the other candidates.

“Being able to be on the stage was more of a big deal to me,” said Groeber, who received a medal for being a national finalist. “The girl who won it is still in high school. Kudos to her. I’m proud of her and I don’t even know her that well.”

Groeber was the first MCHS FFA member since the 2000s to be selected as national finalist, when Kyle Carter was selected in swine production placement. Another MCHS FFA member who was a national finalist was Randy Rodgers in swine production in the 1970s.

“I’ve always been someone who goes above and beyond and this showed all of my efforts of going above and beyond and being able to be recognized for that,” Groeber said.

Groeber worked for Graham Cave State Park as part of her supervised agricultural experience program. Her duties include caring for the restrooms, completing trail maintenance, picking up trash and developing a program that helped inform the public about the natural and cultural wonders of Graham Cave.

“Being able to teach kiddos who were younger than me was probably the most fun for me,” said Groeber, who resigned from Graham Cave several months ago.

Groeber won a state title in environmental science and natural resources management during state competition at the Missouri FFA Convention in May.

Groeber was one of eight MCHS graduates who made the trip to Indiana to pick up the American Degree. The others were Aleida Eldringhoff, Destani Eversmeyer, Raylene Poston, Brayden Rose, Shea Stille, Lexy Veach and Jaylynn Zerr. All eight graduated from MCHS in 2024.

“It was kind of cool,” Groeber said. “I haven’t really seen any of them. I’m still in contact with quite a few, but it was kind of nice to be all together one last time and kind of close that chapter of our lives together.” 

Three other MCHS graduates – Derrick Cobb, Jace Ellis and Presley Schluss – were also awarded American Degrees, but didn’t attend the ceremony.

Groeber went to the national awards ceremony on Oct. 31 and the American Degree ceremony the following morning. She said she couldn’t believe what she accomplished.

“You don’t realize it until after the fact how big of a deal it is,” Groeber said. “It was actually on my drive home that I was like, ‘Holy cow.’” 

Groeber had plenty to credit for her honors such as her family and her FFA chapter.

“I just thought about all of the people who helped me get to where I was,” Groeber said. “It was not something I could have done by myself. I have a support group.”

Groeber is currently a sophomore at the College of Ozarks and is majoring in business administration. She will be a junior in the spring semester.

“I’m looking at some internships and applying for them for this upcoming summer,” Groeber said. “So we’ll see how all of that turns out.”