Over 240 people attended the annual Caldwell County FFA banquet and watched as 66 students received awards for their accomplishments this past year.
Murray State University Professor of Agriculture Education, Dr. Kimberly Bellah, opened the banquet, which was held Friday, May 10th at the Caldwell County High School, and congratulated the Caldwell County FFA Chapter for winning the MSU Field Day Championship for the third consecutive year.
Wes York, Ag Educator and FFA Advisor, says that the FFA Star Awards were presented during the banquet, with two students tying this year for the Star Greenhand Award, Katy Trimble and Skylar Newton. He adds that the award is given to outstanding first year members and is based on their participation in FFA activities and the SAE project.
York notes that there are three other chapter Star Awards for senior members who have earned their FFA State degree. The Star in Agriculture Placement was awarded to Colton George, the Star in Agricultural Production was awarded to Ethan Cotton, and the Star in Agri-Business was presented to Hannah Greenfield.
He states that other State FFA degree recipients included Lily Byrd, Jacy Travis, JR Blackburn, Ayla Gill, Madison Crider, Madison Mason, Taylor Burchett, Emmarea Staples, Makayla Darnell, Mia Skinner, Drake McConnell, Trinity Wilson, Addison Peek and Madux Cummins.
York adds that sophomore Kylie York, junior Bella McConnell, and senior Hannah Greenfield were recipients of outstanding scholarship awards while the Outstanding Leadership Award was presented to freshman Noah Peake, sophomore Kylie York, junior Noah Helphenstine, and senior Hannah Greenfield.
He also announces that the winner of the Englehart/Iglehart Scholarship was Madison Crider with the winner of the Madeline Hollaway Memorial Scholarship was Madison Mason, who was also recognized for winning the Mahindra Women in Agriculture Scholarship from the National FFA Organization.
York notes that special presentations were also given to Cassidy Neal and Morgan Grannis for their dedicated work to the students while student teaching in the Agriculture Department. Jeff Harper and Bruce Farmer were also presented with their honorary memberships.
New officers and committee chairmen were also selected during the banquet followed by a slide show that highlighted senior members, ending in the retirement of their FFA jackets.
