NEWELL-The floor of Austin Auditorium was filled nearly to capacity with over 100 guests seated and ready to participate in the Annual FFA Banquet on May 1.
The 2024-2025 officers began the evening with the FFA Opening Ceremony. Each officer stated the symbol of his position.
Following President Rachel Stranberg’s taps of the gavel, she called on the Vice President Kendra Johnson. Kendra called on each officer to complete the opening ceremony-Sentinel Rowdy Wetz, Reporter Sorley Wetz. Treasurer Orrin Youngberg, Secretary Bristol Bachman, Historian Kiley Link, and Advisor Cheyenne Geppert.
Awards were given in several areas, the Discovery Degree, Greenhand Degree, and Chapter Degree. Discovery Degree recipients were: Bianca Bierman, William Erk, Brendt Tifft, Justin Stranberg, McKenzie Rans, and Evelyn Ahart.
Greenhand Degree recipients were: Joe Eaton, Bailey Takes the Gun, Kiley Link, Hayden Jonston, Nevada Donahey, Bristol Bachman, Kaitlynn Shaykett, Bethany Mahaffy, Jesse Jones, Paul Raisanen, Liam Harms, and Jessica Raisanen.
Chapter Degree recipients were: Rachel Stranberg, Sorley Wetz, Rowdy Wetz, and Kate High.
William Erk received the Outstanding Eighth Grade recognition. Nevada Donahey was Outstanding Freshman, Kiley Link Outstanding Sophomore, Rowdy Wetz was Outstanding Junior, and Kianna Miller was named Outstanding Senior.
Four adults were recognized as Honorary Members-Dawn Gardner, Emma Brunner, Dr. Pandi Pittman, and June WetzSiebold.
Senior Recognition was given to Kianna Miller, who is the only senior graduating.
A highlight of the evening was the speech made by outgoing President Rachel Stranberg. She noted that it was with mixed emotions that she prepared her speech. Her year as president was full of wonderful memories, but she realized that she was filling big shoes.
Stranberg spoke of her gratitude to each one who stood and was recognized for their achievements, especially for an advisor who pushed her to go beyond her comfort level.
She learned about leadership, team work, and herself. And she is ready to embrace the opportunities ahead. She is excited to see what the future will bring.
Stranberg encouraged the FFA students to watch for a new chapter to begin for everyone.
New officers were named for 2025-2026. President is Rowdy Wetz, VP Orrin Youngberg, Treasurer Sorley Wetz, Reporter Rachel Stranberg, Sentinel Bristol Bachman, Historian Kiley Link, and Secretary Hayden Johnston.
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