Apr 29

Written by: ngreditor
4/29/2008 7:12 PM 

Newman Grove FFA celebrates successful year

Pictured is the FFA Chapter for 2007-2008 school year.

The annual Newman Grove FFA banquet was held April 26, 2008, at 6:30 pm in the old gym. Starting the banquet was am opening ceremony performed by the 2007-2008 FFA Officers. Following the opening ceremony, everyone enjoyed a potluck that was furnished by FFA members’ parents.

After the dinner, guest speaker Leighton Wier, the 2007-2008 State FFA Vice President, spoke about compassion and service to others. Following the guest speaker was the awards presentation. Nine freshman earned their Greenhand award. This honor recognizes the members’ demonstrated knowledge and achievements in agricultural awareness, leadership, career development and community service programs. It is the first degree awarded to high school members of the National FFA Organization (FFA).

Each recipient received a bronze FFA emblem pin and certificate to commemorate their accomplishment. Those that received the Greenhand FFA Degree included Chelsea Benson, Sheldon Boschen, Devon Doelder, Shane Farrier, Tatem Fowlkes, Ben Jacobson, Jesse Johnson, Mark O’Brien, and Samantha Stone.

Along with the Greenhand FFA Degree ceremony, 4 members received the Chapter FFA Degree. Each recipient received a silver FFA emblem pin and certificate to commemorate their accomplishment. Those that received the Chapter FFA Degree included Jake Kaufman, Matt King, Katie O’Brien, and Olivia Wiese.

FFA Officers then presented the Star Greenhand, Star Chapter, and Star Agriscience awards. These awards are given to members who have exemplified leadership in the FFA Chapter, excelled in the classroom, and have outstanding SAE programs. The Star Greenhand was presented to Samantha Stone, the Star Chapter was presented to Sheila O’Brien, and the Star Agriscience was presented to Jessica Boschen.

Certificates of Merit were presented to all of the FFA members who participated in FFA contests this past year. Jessica Boschen, Sheila O’Brien, and Ann O’Brien were recognized by Miss Meyer for their State Degree Awards. The Monsanto Dekalb Award went to Jessica Boschen. The FFA Officers put together a slide show presentation to review the 2007-2008 FFA year.

Fruit sales awards went to Katie King for third place, Ann and Katie O’Brien for second place, and first place went to Olivia Wiese. The FFA also recognized senior parents for their support to the FFA organization. Senior parents include Larry and Barb Boschen, Mike and Joan Farrier, Harlan and Deb Jacobson, Ed and Ruth O’Brien, John and Doris O’Brien, David and Cindy Pieke, Dean and Jody Roberg.

FFA members voted on an FFA member that they felt gave time and energy to the FFA organization. The Outstanding Member Award went to Jessica Boschen on her involved in the FFA.

The Retiring Newman Grove FFA officers presented by Miss Meyer are President: Ann O’Brien, Vice President: Jessica Boschen, Secretary: Sheila O’Brien, Treasurer: Olivia Wiese, Reporter: Katie O’Brien, Sentinel: Lynzee Pieke.

Pictured above are the 2008-2009 Of ficers. Front row: Alyshia Nelson, Katie O’Brien, Olivia Wiese, and Katie O’Brien. Back row: Blake Carter, Luke Gasper, Matt King, and Jordan Nelson.

The New 2008-2009 officers are President: Olivia Wiese, Vice President: Katie King, Secretary: Katie O’Brien, Reporter: Blake Carter, Treasurer: Alyshia Nelson, Sentinel: Luke Gasper, Parliamentarian: Matt King, Student Advisor/Student Council Rep: Jordan Nelson.

Following the banquet, Duane Chilson auctioned FFA members to work for community members. It was overall a good evening. The Newman Grove FFA Chapter appreciates all the generous support of this community.