Reed Naughton has been honored as the State FFA Proficiency Winner in Agricultural Services. A member of the Olympia FFA Chapter within the Illinois Association FFA, Naughton was recognized for his work-based learning, also referred to as Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE). The Illinois FFA acknowledges students in forty-eight distinct areas for their SAEs. FFA members who exhibit exceptional agricultural skills and competencies through meticulous record-keeping, leadership, and academic accomplishments are eligible for this accolade. SAEs provide students with practical learning opportunities, whether through owning and operating an agricultural business, interning or working at an agriculture-related business, or conducting and reporting on an agricultural scientific study. Naughton's SAE is centered around his involvement in his family's auction service.

Naughton was chosen as the State Winner by a panel comprising agriculture teachers, industry professionals, parents, and volunteers with expertise in this vocational field. They evaluated the candidates' records online before conducting interviews at Mt. Zion High School in Mt. Zion, IL, on Saturday, March 23, 2024. Reed is the child of Dan and Amy Naughton, hailing from rural Atlanta.

This recognition now qualifies Naughton to participate in the National FFA Awards Selection process in July 2024. Naughton had already been selected as the Chapter, Section, and District awardee in this area. His involvement in agricultural education and FFA activities includes Parliamentary Procedure, Livestock Judging, Dairy Cattle Judging, Public Speaking, and Land-Use CDEs. Currently, he serves as the chapter vice-president and has played a pivotal role in organizing our community service projects. Bryce Hoffman is the agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor at Olympia High School.

Naughton is set to be honored with a plaque for his achievements and celebrated at the 96th Illinois FFA State Convention, from June 11 to 13, 2024. The plaques are sponsored by donations from individuals, businesses, corporations, and organizations via the Illinois Foundation FFA.