BELLE FOURCHE—The Belle Fourche FFA chapter invited family, friends, supporters, neighbors and community members to join in honoring the hard work and dedication of the FFA members at the annual banquet May 6 at the Community Hall.
Advisor, Austin Bishop kicked off the evening by welcoming everyone. “On behalf of the FFA Chapter, the Officer Team, I’d like to thank you for coming tonight to celebrate the incredible year that the Belle Fourche FFA has had!”
Following the introduction of the 2025–2026 Officer Team, the President of the Chapter, Atlee Olson called the meeting to order.
Following the meal prayer, dinner was served. The FFA Officers led the way, followed by the rest of the guests. A dinner of tacos, walking tacos or nachos was served along with a variety of salads, desserts and drinks.
As everyone finished their meals the awards program began. The Officers presented the following degrees: Discovery Degrees, given to seventh and eighth grade members who participate in FFA activities; Greenhand Degrees, given to first year high school students who have demonstrated a thorough understanding of the history and purpose of FFA; Chapter Degrees, this degree recognizes members who have completed coursework, maintained an SAE, participated in Chapter activities and demonstrated leadership; State Degrees, the highest honor the South Dakota FFA Association can bestow upon its members. Recipients have dedicated several years to developing the SAE programs, building leadership skills, and contributing to their communities.
The Treasurer, Jazlyn Olson gave the end of the year report highlighting $1500 raised at the Burger Bash, $3,000 raised at the annual coffee fundraiser, and the fruit sale where they raised over $20,000. “The work of our members is what allows us to succeed,” she said.
Bishop came back to the stage to recognize the awards won at competitions by the Belle Fourche FFA Chapter this year. “Today, I want to focus, actually on a word, impact—defining this word, it is a strong sudden effect, influence or physical collision with one object against another, representing in a consequent change or result, producing and observing change. That is what this year’s chapter has done, this banquet is to celebrate the accomplishments of all of our members,” he shared.
The advisor then went on to discuss how all the grades worked hard, but it was the leadership and accomplishments of the senior class that will leave a lasting impact. “This Chapter sent 11 teams to the state competition with four fourth place finishes…in the top six and in just an amazing, tough competition,” said Bishop. Now the impact for some will not stop, if you keep track of our Chapter and you’ve been counting, we qualified (Nationals) nine members in seven different areas…we have another State Officer selected, Mr. Andy Pruitt, will serve as your 26–27 State Sentinel. Congratulations!”
The graduating seniors were honored and the Belle Fourche FFA Alumni and Red Water Youth Leadership Fund awarded two scholarships. The first one was for $500 to Jazlyn Olson and the second one was $1,000 to Atlee Olson.
The Belle Fourche FFA Chapter awarded Tim and Chandy Olson 2026 Business Friend of the FFA for their help and support throughout the year.
Producer of the Year is awarded to an area producer that has helped the chapter grow into the future. The 2026 Producer of the Year is awarded to the Garman Ranch.
For the third year in a row the Golden Owl Award was given to the Belle Fourche High School FFA Chapter Advisor, Austin Bishop. It is presented by the SD FFA Foundation for agricultural educators who demonstrate extraordinary dedication in the classroom in their communities.
The seniors had a special gift of gratitude to Bishop. They presented him with a quilt, handmade by Wendy Bowers. It contained signatures of every one of the graduating seniors. So that he has “a little piece of each of us to take with you. Thank you for everything you have done and everything you are. We are better because of you with all our love and appreciation, The Belle Fourche FFA Senior Class of 2026,” shared Jazlyn Olson.
The FFA Banquet wrapped up with the naming of the new 2026–2027 Officer Team. Parliamentarian, Kasey Dobesh; Student Advisor, McKenzie Rans; Sentinel, Branson Brink; Reporter, Aaliyah Lennon; Treasurer, Kale Williams; Secretary, Kate Blair; Vice President, Brooke Garman; and President, EC Blair.
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