FFA Banquet showcases students

CRESCO - Crestwood FFA celebrated its 87th year of tradition, premier leadership, personal growth and career success at its annual banquet on April 8.

Advisor Mike Adams commended the FFA members for continuing to work hard, even through last year’s cancellation of the banquet due to COVID-19, along with most other events and contests being cancelled. He told the younger students, “FFA is about learning and having fun. You deserve to have both.” He noted as the world opens up after COVID, more and more traditional events will start taking place, giving members an all-around learning experience.

There were 150 members and guests at the banquet, held at Heritage Events Center. After the buffet meal, Mr. Lance Thompson, Crestwood Assistant Principal/Activities Director, told the group how important and beneficial FFA is for youth. His oldest son raises hogs and restores tractors, skills he learned in FFA. In addition, his younger son enjoyed soil judging and continues to play in the dirt. “FFA made a huge impact on their lives.”

It was then time for the FFA members to shine as they were presented with awards and certificates of achievement.

Top FFA members in each grade included:

• Star Chapter Degree — Kaylea Gosnell

• Outstanding Junior Award — Ashley Reicks

• Outstanding Sophomore Award — Nora Ryan

• Star Greenhand — Kaleb Adams

• Outstanding 8th Grader — Haley Stinson

• Outstanding 7th Grader — Eva Sebastian

Agricultural Proficiency Awards  went to:

• Poultry Entrepreneurship — Nora Ryan

• Beef Entrepreneurship — Kaleb Adams

• Poultry Placement — Justin Kerian

• Goat Production — Nora Ryan

• Turf Grass Management — Ella Keller

• Ag Services — Camron Sobolik

• Diversified Crops Placement — Gabe Grabau 

• Landscape Management — Mason Peter

• Grain Production Placement — Gabe Grabau 

• Diversified Livestock Placement — Justin Kerian

• Diversified Livestock Entrepreneurship — Nora Ryan

• Rabbit Production — Justin Kerian

• Dairy Placement — Emily Church

The Dr. Norman E. Borlaug Scholarship is presented to a Crestwood High School graduate taking an agriculture-related field of study and is in his or her sophomore or junior year. This year’s recipient was Hope Dohlman.

The 2021 Honorary Chapter Degree went to Bill Kruse, who he said does whatever is asked of him. Due to COVID during 2020, it was announced last year’s degree went to Mr. and Mrs. Jason Ryan.

There were no fruit sales this year. 

Top Merit Points for 2021 had Kaylea Gosnell taking the top spot and tying for second were Kaleb Adams and Nora Ryan. Others in the top 10 included Joey Vobr, Ashley Reicks, Alyssa Halvorson, Gabe Grabau, Ella Keller, Ashley Ferrie and Eva Sebastian.

These FFA students put a lot into the local chapter, and their parents, friends and community members showed their support at the banquet. It’s great to see such life-changing accomplishments being achieved by the local youth. 

Look for more pictures and information in the Cresco Times Plain Dealer issue April 14, 2021.