By Katie Cox, Colonel Crawford FFA Reporter
Family and friends of the Colonel Crawford/Pioneer FFA Chapter were present to honor the accomplishments of the Colonel Crawford FFA students during their banquet and awards night on Tuesday, April 8. Our featured Speaker was Miss Hallie Sue Heiser from Greenview FFA serving as an Ohio FFA Association officer. Before the awards program, there was a dinner featuring Apple Bourbon Chicken, Marsala Steak Medallions, Stuffed Alfredo Pasta Shells, Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes, Corn Casserole, Salad, Rolls, Chocolate River, and Cake for dessert. Thank you to Norton’s for donating the flowers and helium for the balloons. Also a special thanks to Special Occasions Catering for the great food and service. Thank you to all the people that donated items for the occasion. It was greatly appreciated.
The awards given out for the night started with seven Greenhand degrees which were given to the first year members who have met all the requirements set forth by the National FFA. There were twelve members who received their chapter degree which is for the second year members who have earned or invested $250, and has a satisfactory number of FFA activities and contests.
Kendra Hudson is earning her American FFA Degree at the National Convention in Louisville in October. This is the highest degree of excellence that you can receive in FFA. Not only has Kendra completed her SAEs but she has also attended five National Leadership activities. She will also be receiving a plaque for earning first place in her diversified crop production proficiency.
The top fruit sellers this year were Bronwyn Leonhardt, Taylor Lutz, Dalton Hoover, and Kyle Hudson. They all received FFA shirts. The scholarship award was given out to the top academic student in each grade. The freshman was Megan Daubenspeck, Sophomore Taylor Lutz, Junior Cheyenne Johnson, and Senior Wesley Wingert. The leadership awards were presented to the student in each class that has demonstrated the most leadership through the FFA program. Freshman winner was Elaina Sellman, Sophomore Samantha Martin, Junior Katie Cramer, and Senior Jessica Millenbaugh. All of these award winners were presented with a tee shirt.
The Star Chapter degree was given out to a sophomore that has put forth extra effort and excelled in the FFA program as a whole. The Star Chapter Farmer was Taylor Lutz. Star Greenhand award is given to an outstanding freshman who has stood out above the rest during their freshman year in Ag. Megan Daubenspeck was given the Star Greenhand award based on her many FFA activities and classroom work.
The next award is given to senior members who have been outstanding in their SAE’s, classroom work, and FFA activities over the past 4 years. Ag Credit gives 110% award to recognize these students. This year Wyatt Caldwell was awarded the Ag Credit 110% award.
The Honorary Degree was given to Adam Spiegel and Bob and Eileen Chappell for their service to our chapter the past years. Adam has been assisting our tractor trouble shooting and Ag mechanics teams for competition. Sharing his knowledge with our teams has really paid off! Bob and Eileen Chappell have helped our chapter in many ways including assisting in activities such as the pork booth at the state fair and supporting our fruit sales. Thank you all for your efforts towards our chapter!
The 2013-2014 officers that retired that night were President: Jessica Millenbaugh, Vice President: Curtis Hatcher, Secretary: Katie Cramer, Treasurer: Rebecca Enright, Assistant Treasurer: Samantha Martin, Reporter: Cheyenne Johnson, Historian: Katie Cox, Sentinel: Wyatt Caldwell, Student Advisor: Dalton Hoover.
The new Officers that were installed for 2013-2014 term are President: Taylor Lutz, Vice President: Riley Erwin, Secretary: Katie Cramer, Treasurer: Samantha Martin, Reporter: Katie Cox, Sentinel: Kyle Hudson, Student Advisor: Tyson Scott, Chaplain: Matt Sutter.
We would like to thank everyone that came to share the memories of our great year, a big thank you to Norton’s Flowers for donating the plant arrangement and helium balloons. Also, big thanks to the parents and family members that stayed afterwards to help us clean up.
On March 18, Colonel Crawford FFA students competed in the Ag Mechanic Skills contest. There were three students who competed in various mechanical stations. They had to complete a MIG butt weld, identify tools and fasteners, do an electrical test on a tractor, identify various components of pumps and motors, and properly measure engine parts with micrometers and calipers. They placed 4th out of 10 teams that competed. The students competing were Wyatt Caldwell, Curtis Hatcher, and Garrett Hensley.