Brody Cordell was selected as the State FFA SOE Award Winner in the area of Information & Technology. Brody is a member of the West Prairie FFA Chapter of the Illinois Association FFA. The Illinois FFA recognizes students in six different Supervised Occupational Experience (SOE) areas based on their work-based learning experiences outside of the classroom. SOE students are asked What lessons have you learned in your agriculture courses that assist you in your SOE? As well, how has your SOE prepared you for careers in the agriculture industry and what careers might those be?
FFA members who demonstrate outstanding skills and competencies through record keeping, leadership, and scholastic achievement may be considered for this award. SOEs allow students to learn by doing by either owning and operating a business, working or serving an internship at a business or conducting an agriculture- based scientific experiment and reporting results.
Cordell was selected as the State Winner by a committee of agriculture teachers, industry friends, parents and volunteers knowledgeable in this work-based area, who reviewed their records online and then conducted interviews at Mt. Zion High School, Mt. Zion, IL on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Brody is the son of Chad and Jennifer Cordell from Colchester.
Brody was previously chosen as the Chapter, Section 11 and District 3 awardee in this area. Brody has been involved in the following other agriculture education and FFA activities: Project Santa, Horticulture CDE, Ag Awareness Day, Haunted High, National FFA Week, Step For A Vet, and the West Prairie FFA Alumni Scholarship Auction.
Sam DeCounter and Alison McGrew are the agriculture teachers and FFA Advisors at West Prairie Jr/Sr High School.
Brody will receive a plaque for his accomplishments and be celebrated for this great achievement at the 98th Illinois FFA State Convention, June 9 - 11, 2026.
Brody Cordell has recently been chosen as the state winner in the SOE area of Information Technology! Brody will be recognized on stage at the Illinois State FFA Convention in June.
