FFA Banquet showcases students

CRESCO - Crestwood FFA celebrated its 88th year of tradition, premier leadership, personal growth and career success at its annual banquet on March 29.

Vice President Nora Ryan gave the invocation and asked everyone to take a moment of silence in memory of two Decorah High School students, Dalton Hemesath and Karter Einck, who were killed in a car accident. “They were officers like us.”

Advisor Mike Adams explained the change of venue from the Heritage Events Center to the Expo Center as needing more space. There were 308 members and guests in attendance, double the number of 150 from 2021, although that number was lowered due to COVID precautions. Guests were still fed by McAllister Catering.

After the buffet meal, Mr. Chris Rogne, Crestwood 7-12 Principal, told the group how important and beneficial FFA is for youth. “All these students are active. The skills they learn, translate into success in college and life.” He addressed the adults in the group, “I see many former FFA members. Your achievements have blazed a trail for these students today.”

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 — Ashley Reicks (Second year in top spot)

• Outstanding Junior Award — Nora Ryan (Third year in top spot)

• Outstanding Sophomore Award — Kaleb Adams (Second year in top spot)

 

• Star Greenhand — Mackenzie Thiele

• Outstanding Eighth Grader — Eva Sebastian (Second year in top spot)

• Outstanding Seventh Grader — Kelsey Adams

Agricultural Proficiency Awards  went to:

• Poultry Entrepreneurship — Marissa Bronner

• Beef Placement — Nora Ryan

• Beef Entrepreneurship — Kaleb Adams

• Ag Sales — Ella Keller

• Ag Services — Kelsey Burke

• Diversified Livestock — Marissa Bronner

• Poultry Placement — Nora Ryan

• Equine Science Placement — Marissa Bronner

• Grain Production Placement — Kaleb Adams

• Rabbit Production — Tori Eckard

• Dairy Placement — Emily Church

• Goat Production — Nora Ryan

In between the announcement of the Proficiency Awards, seniors thanked those who helped them the most during their journey in FFA. All chose parents as the most influential and supportive to their lives.

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 Erin Ryan.

The 2022 Honorary Chapter Degree went to Tom and Sue Barnes. Advisor Adams said the couple helps the FFA chapter every year, most importantly by helping the members show animals at the county fair.

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.