Parke Heritage High School and Middle School held their FFA Banquet on March 30. Members highlighted their many activities from throughout the school year and special awards were presented.
Following a meal prepared by Ramey Food Services, the FFA officers conducted the awards ceremony.
Those participating in the Career Development Events, the Leadership Development Events and various FFA events were recognized.
The chapter scholarship awards go to a group of individuals that have achieved high grades in agriculture classes and maintained an outstanding GPA while participating in numerous FFA activities. Earning this recognition were seventh grader Whitney Swaim, eighth grader Addison Ramsay, freshman Tucker Conley, sophomore Treyton Burgess, junior Will Patton and senior Keely Black.
The Dekalb Agricultural Award recognizes an outstanding senior who has shown great dedication and responsibility to the agriculture program as well as leadership towards the future of Agricultural Education. This year’s recipient of the Dekalb Agricultural Award is Lili Mace.
To help offset the group’s expenses at their various activities and events the annual fruit fundraiser was held. The top high school salesman was Mason McVay. Second place was Mia Bunner and third place was Mason Bowsher. For middle school, the top salesman was Stormi Swaim. The top sellers received a gift card.
Officer awards are given to students who have gone above and beyond throughout the year. Earning officer awards are Rising Sun Award, Cade Runyan; Workhorse Award, Keaton Ramey and Madison Coleman; Unity Award, Josie Bodine and Treyton Burgess; Washington Award, Brayton Myers; Red, White and Blue Award, Logan Hammontree and Ryan Mathis; Shield of Friendship, Hunter McDaniel and Emma Crouch.
The Discovery Degree is for middle school members who have taken an agriculture class and have participated in an activity outside the classroom. Receiving the Discovery Degree were Abigail Julbert, Alexis McAmis, Kendall McKinney, Julia Carroll, Harlee Flood, Wesley Pratt, Lydia Jeffries, Destinee Stevenson, Stormi Swaim, Whitney Swaim, Braxton Bamberg, Braydon Bays, Brookelynn Reath, Ashlyn Bryant, Mason Wilcox, Parker Hopkins, Landon Berry, Birkley Schelsky and Kamden Shields.
The Greenhand Degree is presented to members who have plans for an Supervised Ag Experience and demonstrate knowledge of the creed. Earning this Degree were Jakob Weber, Tucker Conley, Mary Stevenson, Raegan Ramsay, Emma Simpson and Ethan Breedlove.
The Chapter Degree is the highest award a chapter can bestow. To earn the degree, members must have a quality SAE, complete 10 community service hours, have a good scholastic record and have earned the Greenhand Degree. Recipients of the Chapter Degree were Carson Rolison, Cade Runyan, Will Patton, Logan Hammontree, Ryan Mathis, Brayton Myers, Hunter McDaniel, Treyton Burgess and Skyley Cloncs.
The program concluded with the installment of officers for the 2023-24: Carson Rolison, president; Madison Coleman, vice president; Cade Runyan, second vice president; Skyley Cloncs, secretary; Brayton Myers, treasurer; Treyton Burgess, reporter and Ryan Mathis, sentinel.
Chapter advisors are Hallie Jones, Colton McMullen, Shannon Witty and Natalee Laube.
