Students and Community Members Recognized at 2017 FFA Banquet

May 4, 2017, (Independence, IA) – The Independence FFA Chapter Banquet was on Sunday, April 23rd and many awards and scholarships were handed out.

Two of the top scholarships given were to Tanner Erickson-Dale and Matt Bolton. Tanner received the Walthart Memorial Scholarship, which is given to a senior in FFA that has been actively involved in various leadership capacities and is entering an agriculturally related post-secondary major. Matt earned the Dekalb Award. The Dekalb Award is given to an FFA member that shows dedication to the chapter as well as a strong academic background.

The following awards were also handed out:

Leadership Awards: Middle School – Carson Frye, Freshman – Carter Nolan, Sophomore – Peighton Prusator, Junior – Sydney Etten, Senior – Kirstie Martin

Academic Achievement: Eric Lympus, Brynn Martin, Kirstie Martin, Jade Matteson, Megan Corkery, Joe Kaiser, Peighton Prusator, Marissa Robinson, Kenzie Fischels, Brittney Klever, Liz Moore, Ellie Nabholz and Keegan Zimmerly.

Discovery Degrees: Brooke Beatty, Sophie Bertelli , Delaney Martin, Jaden Schwarting, Grace Bohlken, Sydney Graham, Greta Aldrich , Macie Corkery, Kelsea Corbin , Reese Martin

Greenhand Degrees: Jade Matteson, Carter Nolan, Keegan Zimmerly, Kenzie Fischels, Ellie Nabholz, Sophia Meador, Nick Kremer, Joe Kaiser, Luke Lawless, Dustin Burco, Liz Moore , Brittney Klever

Chapter Degrees: Marissa Robinson , Brynn Martin, Kirstie Martin, Meghan Bolton, Jaimee Rowland, Ryan Thompson, Grant Postel , Baylea Way, Peighton Prusator, Megan Corkery

Iowa Degrees: Jarret Orr and Sydney Etten

The Chapter also recognized community members Lisa Duffy and Troy Bolton. Lisa received the Honorary Chapter Degree and Troy Bolton received the Blue and Gold Award. The Blue and Gold Award is given to a community member that has gone above and beyond to assist the FFA Chapter.

This year the chapter completed many community and chapter events. Members completed the “Fed in Field” project, where meals were delivered to over 75 local farmers during harvest season. In cooperation with the elementary grade levels, members taught multiple plant and animal lessons. In addition to community projects and teaching lessons, the chapter was represented by seven FFA members at the National Convention and 23 members at the State Convention. The chapter earned a Gold rating in the National Chapter Award and was ranked as the 16th best chapter in the state of Iowa.

The chapter has some exciting things planned for the coming year. The chapter will be raising a 1/4 acre garden east of the greenhouse at the Jr./Sr. High School. The produce will be donated to our local school lunch program, local businesses or sold at the farmers market. A career day is also being planned for the fall that entails the entire high school and individuals in all career fields.
FFA Advisor Michael Haden states, “The Independence FFA Chapter’s goal is to develop a student’s potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success. We plan and execute a wide variety of activities that help and assist our students, school, and community. Our goal includes educating students and the general public about the role of agriculture and the breadth of careers within the industry. I look forward to constantly improving the chapter and investing a large amount of time making our students better!”

For more information on the Independence FFA Chapter or to get involved, please contact FFA Advisor Michael Haden at mhaden@independence.k12.ia.us or call 319-334-7400.

 

 

###

Media Contact
Fusion Forward
319.334.9300