The Atlantic FFA Banquet was held on Monday, March 28, at Atlantic High School. 172 members and guests attended the event. The banquet began with opening ceremonies led by the 2022-2023 chapter minister. This year’s officers are President Dylan Earl, Vice President Daniel Freund, Secretary Claire Pellet, Treasurer Jackson McLaren, Reporter Charli Goff, Guard DJ Sheppard, and Student Advisor Colton Rudy. 2022-23 Chapter President Dylan Earl said, “The 2022-2023 FFA year went really well. We competed in many competitions, in most of those competitions, and we grew not only as individuals, but as a chapter. I’m excited to see where the chapter goes in the future.
The opening ceremony was followed by a welcome to members and guests, and was given by President Dylan Earls. The reflection was then told by Daniel Freund. After that, a dinner was held for the members and guests. Wiota Steakhouse provided brisket and sides to FFA members and guests.
At the conclusion of the meal, two guest speakers addressed the audience. First up was Chad Earls, father of FFA President Dylan Earls. Mr. Earl talked about how the FFA program is great and how it can make a big difference in your future if you put in the effort.
The next speaker was FFA Southwest District President, George Martin. Martin suggested that getting outside of your quilting and realizing that FFA can bring you many great opportunities and life lessons that will be of value to you and other people in your future.
Claire Pellet gave the secretary’s report and the treasurer’s report was given by Jackson McLaren.
Following the guest speakers, prizes were awarded. They were first recognized for earning 10,000 FFA points during their entire tenure as a member. They wish to introduce themselves with our chapter. The more a member participates in activities and events, the more they earn. Recognized for reaching 10,000 points were Dylan Earls, Brett Dreager, Daniel Freund and Jackson McLaren.
The next award was the Academic Achievement Award. This award is given to those who have been a part of the Atlantic FFA chapter for three years, and have maintained a 3.5 GPA throughout all those years. Those who received academic awards included Rio Johnson, Dylan Earls, and Daniel Freund.
After the Academic Achievement Award came the Star Greenhand, Star Ag Placement, Star Ag Business, and Star Ag Production Awards. The Greenhand Star is presented by the freshman who chapter officials feel has been most involved with the chapter in the past year. This year there were two distinguished members of Greenhand, who were awarded the prize, Lawrence Earl and Lily Johnson. The next award, the Star Ag Placement, is awarded to a member who has performed an outstanding role in his or her role in either business or agriculture. This award was received by Jackson McLaren.
This year, four new officers for the 2022-2023 term were selected to receive the Atlantic FFA Leadership Award, which is given in appreciation to those who have shown leadership over the years in FFA. The four members who received the award include Brett Dreager, Callee Pellet, DJ Sheppard, and Colton Becker.
The officers also created two individuals to receive the Farmer Chapter Honorary Award, which is given to individuals who have played a significant role in supporting the Atlantic FFA Chapter and the activities they do. Those who receive this advice include Rod Deter and Jeremiah Thompson.
This year, 16 Fellows were awarded the Degree of Discovery. The discovery degree is awarded to members who have completed the eighth grade year of school and have been involved in FFA for one year. Those who attended Ag High School for one year received the Greenhand Degree, which was awarded to 28 members. The next 16 members are FFA Chapter degrees, which are given to members who have been involved in FFA for 2 years since high school, or members who have been in FFA for three years during their eighth grade year.
The banquet concluded with the installation of a new chapter officer. For the coming 2023-2024 year, the new officers include the following: Colton Rudy as President, Lola Earls as Vice President, Claire Pellett as Secretary, Roth Denbeste as Treasurer, Lily Johnson as Reporter, Wyatt Simons as Warden, and Charli Goff as Student Advisor. 2023-2024 President Colton Rudy said, “The 2023 Atlantic FFA Banquet was a remarkable experience, marking the end of our chapter’s most successful year and the beginning of a new year. I am honored to lead the chapter into a new FFA year, which I hope will do with chapter growth and new memories.” let them be fulfilled.”
