Agricultural education weaves together classroom instruction, leadership development through participation in FFA, and Supervised Agricultural Experiences for students. This powerful combination inspires young minds and cultivates the spirit of entrepreneurship for generations to come. 

Honoring an extraordinary individual, Kurt Kechely, a beloved business and community leader, the Ron and Lisa Preston family, alongside Kechely’s close business partners and friends, have come together with the Nebraska FFA Foundation to establish the Kurt Kechely Memorial Endowment. This endowment will memorialize his unwavering dedication to empowering the next generation of agricultural leaders through supervised agricultural experiences and school-based enterprises for the Norris and Lyons-Decatur FFA chapters

This memorial is rooted in the belief that education and entrepreneurship go hand in hand, reflecting Kechely’s deep commitment to his community and his determination to help others find their path. Lisa Preston recalls, “Kurt Kechely had a very strong passion and desire to help individuals reach their full potential in both their personal and professional lives.” His belief in self-investment was not merely a notion; it was a guiding principle that brought about life-changing opportunities. Ron Preston echoed her sentiments, remembering how even as a young man, Kurt was a force of nature, filled with an entrepreneurial spirit. He dedicated himself not just to transforming his own life, but also to lifting those around him, sharing his knowledge and igniting the flames of ambition in countless others.

Stacey Agnew, the executive director of the Nebraska FFA Foundation, expresses the foundation’s appreciation in establishing this endowment in Kechely’s memory. “He exemplified many qualities we hope for FFA members to gain, such as an entrepreneurial spirit and investing in communities,” she underscores the values that will continue to guide aspiring agricultural leaders.

This endowment ensures that Kurt Kechely’s legacy lives on—lighting the way for those who dare to dream and strive for greatness.