Carrollton FFA celebrates standout year at banquet

From record-setting fruit sales to strong performances in statewide competitions, the Carrollton FFA Chapter celebrated a standout year during its awards banquet held recently.

The chapter welcomed 275 members and guests to honor student achievements during the 2025-26 school year.

The evening began with a meal provided by the Carrollton FFA Alumni and catered by Fresh Off the Farm/Faith Christy. Following dinner, attendees moved to the Carrollton High School Performing Arts Center for the awards ceremony.

During the program, members were recognized for a variety of accomplishments, including distinguished service, membership in good standing, top fruit sales, chapter proficiency degrees and chapter degrees.

Barb Burns was presented with an honorary degree in recognition of her continued support of the chapter’s greenhouse and nursery management program, as well as her involvement in farm-to-fork activities in the school cafeteria.

Advisor Ryan Borland said Burns has made a lasting impact on the chapter through her continued involvement.

“Barb Burns has impacted our chapter with her unwavering support, guidance and advice regarding our greenhouse program, Secret Garden plant sale and classroom grow towers,” Borland said. “She has also worked with the chapter by lending supplies from the cafeteria for our various activities during FFA Week.”

Chapter degrees were awarded to Lilly Kruprzak, Myles Moore, AnnaSophia Leonard, Bailey Little, Alivia Gotschall, Gwendolyn Sargeant, Bailey Baker, Erin Shafer, Kimberly Little, Lauren Worth and Clint Kruprzak.

Top fruit sales honors went to Lilly Kruprzak with $4,303 in sales, followed by AnnaSophia Leonard with $2,920 and Clint Kruprzak with $2,859. Case Rector placed fourth with $2,325, while Kendall and Kamryn George tied for fifth with $2,001.

Borland said strong community support continues to drive the program’s success.

“Our community, parents and members are what make our fruit sale successful,” he said. “Without support from our generous community, we would not have continued successful fundraising and we wouldn’t be able to fund as many activities as we do.”

The chapter was also recognized as the No. 1 chapter in fruit sales in the state of Ohio.

“This year was special because not only did we earn No. 1 fruit sales in the state, but we had a major increase in participation in Career Development Events,” Borland said. “Our general livestock team was very focused, and the ag mechanics skills team placed second at districts and finished ninth in the state.”

Several special awards were presented during the evening. Kamryn George was named Star Greenhand, while Lilly Kruprzak earned Star Chapter Farmer honors. Kendall George received the Blue and Gold Award, Logan Pridemore was recognized as Outstanding Senior and Haley Leslie received the Bruce Flanagan 100% Award. Hannah Little was presented with an appreciation award.

Distinguished service awards were presented to Steven Pridemore, Dan Ries, Dave Davis, Cheryl Butler, Kerry George, Tommy George, Matt Moore, Debbie Eshler and Kelli Pridemore.

Members were also recognized for participation in career development events, including forestry, public speaking, ag mechanics, equine judging and livestock judging, along with monthly recognition awards throughout the school year.

The 2025-26 officer team includes President Logan Pridemore, Vice President Haley Leslie, Treasurer Claire Eshler, Reporter Kendall George, Historian Emma Vrsan, Sentinel Gwen Sargeant and Chaplain Lauren Worth. Advisors are Ryan Borland and Lisa Watson Davis.

Borland said the chapter is already looking ahead to upcoming activities and continued growth.

“Next for the chapter is officer training camp, FFA camp and numerous members exhibiting at the Carroll County Fair,” he said. “Our goal next year is to continue growing participation in Career Development Events and hopefully getting more top 10 finishes at the state level.”