The Belle Fourche FFA chapter welcomed friends, family, and community members to Belle Fourche Community Hall on Monday evening, May 12 for the annual FFA Banquet. Following the opening ceremonies, FFA officers presented the following degrees: Discovery Degrees, intended for seventh and eighth grade members who participate in FFA activities; Greenhand Degrees, awarded to ninth grade or older members who learn about FFA history and make plans for an SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience); Chapter Degrees, awarded to members in tenth grade or higher who are involved in chapter activities and community service and complete the minimum hours of instruction and SAE project growth; State Degrees, awarded by State Associations and open to members in eleventh grade or higher who are involved in chapter leadership, state-level activities and community service, and who complete a set number of hours of instruction and SAE growth and productivity; and American Degrees, which are the highest FFA degree and awarded to high school graduate members with demonstrated leadership, community service, academic success, and outstanding SAE programs.
Everyone then got to eat a delicious meal catered by PooterQ and enjoyed the food while watching the rest of the banquet program. Chapter Advisor Austin Bishop took the stage to recognize the leadership and career development event successes of his team. “We have about 70 members that are truly active, meaning they participate in community service, fundraising and any career development and leadership development events,” said Bishop. “So kudos to you as parents, because I definitely cannot do this without you guys allowing your members to engage in my classes and in this organization. I want to thank the members for always challenging yourselves in growing personal, being a premiere leader, and looking for that future career success…We will travel this road to success.”
Senior members were called to the front and recognized, with each senior receiving a gift basket and a photo with their parents. The 2025 SD FFA Foundation Scholarship then presented two scholarship award winners: Lydia Main, $1,000 scholarship and Taya Kirstine, $500 scholarship.
Distinguished Volunteer awards were presented to the following: Chuck Berry, Friend of the FFA; Grossenburg Implement, Business of the Year; and the Moke Family, Producer of the Year.
Chapter Advisor Austin Bishop received the Golden Owl Award, which recognizes agricultural educators across South Dakota for their contributions to helping the next generation of agricultural leaders.
The evening wrapped up with a New FFA Officer Induction ceremony. For 2025-2026, the new FFA officers are: Ambree Kirstine, Student Advisor; Brooke Garman, Historian; Clifford Toberson, Parliamentarian; Kate Blair, Second Vice President; Andy Pruitt, Sentinel; Justus Marshall, Reporter; Jazlyn Olson, Treasurer; E.C. Blair, Secretary; Kate Williamson, Vice President; and Atlee Olson, President.
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