John Willoughby
reporter2@greenepublishing.com
On Tuesday, May 19, just before students walked the stage to finalize their high school career, the Madison County High School (MCHS) Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter held their annual banquet virtually, where numerous awards were presented and accomplishments were celebrated.
"This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to change the way we presented the awards and it prevented us from completing all of the planned FFA event," said chapter advisor Kailee Jenkins. "We did not let that dampen our spirits; we chose to expand upon our experiences by planning the virtual banquet."
"A virtual banquet may have not been what we planned for at the beginning of this school year, but it was a way to make the best out of this situation," said FFA member Gracie Galbraith, a recent graduate of MCHS. "It's heartbreaking having my senior year in FFA end this way, but I am thankful for the time I was able to have. It's been an honor to represent Madison County FFA. I will forever love the blue and gold. Parents were even appreciative to have the kids recognized and honored for all of their hard work."
The following students were awarded during the banquet:
Ethan Bochnia, awarded the Star Greenhand Award for being the most active first-year member.
Bailey Watts, awarded the Star Chapter Farmer Award for an outstanding supervised agricultural experience in production agriculture and demonstrating involvement in all chapter activities.
Jacob White, awarded the Star Agri-Businessman Award for a supervised agricultural experience that is business oriented and demonstrates involvement in all chapter activities.
Gracie Galbraith, awarded the Farm Bureau Leadership Award presented by Farm Bureau for demonstrating excellent leadership qualities. Galbraith was also awarded a Madison County FFA Scholarship sponsored by Farmer's Cooperative.
Abby Ratliff, awarded the George Townsend Helping Hands Award presented by the Townsend Family for a willingness to work or volunteer when asked.
Alanna Horne, awarded the DEKALB Agricultural Accomplishment Award presented by the Monsanto Company for excellence in scholarship, leadership and agricultural work experience.
Jocelyn Davis, awarded the LJ Technical Scholarship sponsored by the Peavy Family.
Aside from these awards, two FFA members are set to receive their State FFA Degree in 2020: Jacob White and Gracie Galbraith. The State FFA Degree is the highest degree any regular FFA member can receive, awarded annually to members who have met cumulative leadership-oriented qualifications and achievements set forth by the National FFA Organization, including three years of agricultural education.
Jed Phillips is set to receive his American FFA Degree in October, at the National FFA Convention. The American FFA Degree is bestowed upon an FFA member who holds a State FFA Degree and has demonstrated the highest level of commitment to FFA.
At the end of the banquet, chapter officers for the 2020-2021 school year were announced. Congratulations to Alanna Horne, president; Madison Fishel, vice president; Mackenzi Bochnia, secretary; Bailey Watts, reporter; Stephanie Hasty, treasurer; Bailey Hackle, sentinel; Jessica Hasty, chaplain; and Ty Kinner, parliamentarian.
"I'd like to give a big thank you to everyone that has supported us throughout the year and a special thank you to the ones that have supported us even through social distancing," says incoming chapter president Alanna Horne. "We have a great new officer team and we are excited to bring new and fresh ideas to Madison County FFA."
"I want to applaud the efforts of the Madison County FFA Chapter for their perseverance in finishing their year out strong given the untimely circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic," says supporter Jessica Webb. "This is a hardworking group of young leaders with a great advisor leading the way! Despite the difficulties faced during the last eight weeks of the school year, compounded by not being able to attend the annual state convention this June, this chapter has continued to rise above any challenges that may come their way. They make me proud to be an FFA parent, alumni and active supporter."