NEWELL—Friends and family members gathered in the Austin Auditorium to honor the Newell High School FFA members at the Annual Banquet on the evening of May 8. Chapter President Rowdy Wetz welcomed everyone to the event. “Good evening and welcome to tonight’s banquet. We hope you had a chance to chat with members and guests…We hope you enjoy tonight’s banquet and thank you for attending,” he said.
Following the opening ceremony and the official call to order, Bristol Bachman led the blessing before the meal. The officer team made their way to the food and led the way through the buffet line, getting their food first. Guests followed behind. The dinner included pork, baked beans and a selection of salads along with desserts and drinks.
During the meal the audience was treated to a talk from guest speaker Mr. Bill Kluck, sheep committee chair for the R-Calf USA. He took questions and provided answers following his presentation.
As everyone was finishing their meal, the FFA program continued with the presentation of awards. Wetz said, “it is an honor and privilege to see so many of our community members, parents and guests here. Tonight, we are showcasing everything that our chapter has accomplished this year.”
The recipients of the Discovery Degree were Lucille Ahart, Jessi Bachman, Cecilia Dennis, Dylan Evans, Victoria Ginsbach, Kyle Kenstler and Ayricka Schulte.
Those receiving the Greenhand Degree were Evelyn Ahart, Bianca Bierman, Jonah Braning, Arabelle Dennis, Samantha High, Lily Niles, Khloe Rivera, Justin Stranberg and Brendt Tifft.
The recipients of Chapter Degrees were honored. They were Bristol Bachman, Jessica Raisanen and Orrin Youngberg.
There were three graduating seniors who were honored and recognized by awarding them the FFA graduation honor cords. They were Jessica Raisanen, Rachel Stranberg and Rowdy Wetz. “As you enter your glorious years of becoming an adult, let your upcoming year be filled with pride and confidence,” said Bristol Bachman.
Three honorary memberships were awarded. “Honorary memberships are farmers, community members and business people who are helping to advance agriculture, agriculture education in the FFA who have rendered outstanding service may be limited to honorary membership,” explained Bachman. Those receiving this honor were Connie Weineke, Ashley High and Tyler Swan.
An important part of the FFA year-end banquet is the installation of new officers to replace the outgoing officer team. The new officer team for 2026-2027 are Kate High, President; Orrin Youngberg, Vice President; Bianca Bierman, Secretary; Sorley Wetz, Treasurer; Bailey Takes The Gun, Reporter; and Evelyn Ahart, Sentinel.
Throughout the evening guests could bid on a variety of items in a silent auction. All of the proceeds raised from the auction are given to a selected cause. This year the High family will receive the funds. Dan High is the father of two Newell FFA members, Kate and Samantha. He was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. The money raised will be used to help in that fight. “We do the silent auction to raise money to help someone in our community who may be going through some kind of struggle. This was an easy decision for it to go to the Highs,” shared Advisor Cheyenne Geppert.
The 2025-2026 Newell FFA members include Orrin Youngberg, Rowdy Franklin, Justin Stranberg, Brendt Tifft, Evelyn Ahart, Khloe Rivera, Sam High, Jessi Bachman, Rachel Stranberg, Bianca Bierman, Dylan Evans, Tori Ginsbach, Kate High, Kiley Link, Sorley Franklin, Cecilia Dennis, Lily Niles, Bailey Takes The Gun, Ayricka Schulte, Lucille Ahart, Bristol Bachman, Nevada Donahey, Hayden Johnston, Arabelle Dennis, Jessica Raisanen, Paul Raisanen, Jonah Branning and Kyle Kestler.
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