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.
The Kurt Kechely Memorial Endowment was established to provide funding for entrepreneurship Supervised Agriculture Experiences for FFA members of the Norris and Lyons-Decatur FFA chapters.
Created by the Ron and Lisa Preston family, Kechely’s business partners and close family friends, the endowment is intended to foster a spirit of entrepreneurship for agriculture education students participating in these local communities that Kechely was involved with. This endowment memorializes Kechely’s unwavering dedication to empowering the next generation of agricultural leaders and 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.
“Kurt Kechely had a very strong passion and desire to help individuals reach their full potential in both their personal and professional lives,” recalls Lisa Preston.
His belief in self-investment was not merely a notion; it was a guiding principle that brought about life-changing opportunities. Ron Preston echoed his wife’s sentiments, remembering how even as a young man, Kechely 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 says.
This endowment ensures that Kurt Kechely’s legacy lives on—lighting the way for those who dare to dream and strive for greatness. Students from the Norris and Lyons-Decatur FFA chapters who are interested in grant funding for their SAE projects can apply for the Nebraska FFA Foundation grant through AET now through September 15.
