East Knox FFA conducts annual awards banquet

Recently, the East Knox FFA chapter conducted its annual member awards banquet in the high school auditorium following a catered meal in the cafeteria. Approximately 225 members, parents, and guests were in attendance. Several members were recognized for achieving significant milestones within the FFA organization. Hayden Baker and Blake Elliott were honored for earning the prestigious American FFA Degree that they will be awarded on stage at the National FFA Convention in October. Jasmine Smith was honored for earning her State FFA Degree that she will be receiving at the upcoming State FFA Convention in May.

Leadership awards were presented to students who demonstrated strong leadership within the chapter, including freshman, Kelsey Jensen; sophomores, Caylynn Kieber, Nealie Oliver, and Curtis Divan; junior, Ava Page and senior, Ariel Atkinson. Scholarship awards were given to members with a 3.5 or higher overall Grade Point Average. They were freshman, Kelsey Jensen; sophomores, Caylynn Kieber, Nealie Oliver, and Curtis Divan; junior, Ava Page; and senior, Ariel Atkinson.

Special recognition star awards were given to outstanding members for their dedication and achievements. Mackenzie Wilson received the Outstanding Senior Award and Ava Page was named the Outstanding Junior. The Star Chapter Farmer Awards were presented to John Chadwick, Madisyn Frost, Hayden Garman, and Alexia Wine, while Noah Beckley and McKenzie Schwartz were awarded the Star Greenhand Awards.

A large number of members were recognized for their participation in a wide variety of career development events, from soils to forestry to livestock judging and a variety of others.

The Honorary Chapter Degree was presented to adults who have contributed outstanding service to the East Knox FFA. This year the chapter awarded eight with this honor: Cheyenne Anders, Tori Anders, Debra Burden, Rob Clendening, Winnie Skinner, Bailey Sprague, David Wise, and Connor Wolford. The VIP Award was presented to Homer Simmons. And Kevin Oldaker and Fawnda Bible-Stahl were awarded the Didinger Service Award. The East Knox FFA would like to thank all who have contributed to their success throughout the year.

The chapter also ended their banquet with a special presentation to Tom Holton for his dedication to our chapter by presenting him a scrapbook with a collection from over his 44 years of service here at East Knox.