FFA Celebrates Successes at Annual Banquet

by Tony Jensen

April 07, 2005

On Monday, April 18th, the Freeman FFA Chapter held its annual banquet in the gym at Freeman High School. The evening started off with the meal, which was catered by the Filley Tavern, as well as the Freeman FFA parents.

Following the meal, the evening started off with the degree ceremonies. Those receiving their Discovery Degree, which is the first degree attainable from the National FFA Organization were Sara Marker, Anna Jurgens, Jesse Rohmeyer, Shelby Mason, Evan Buss, Phillip Schoen, Kyle Schlake, Nathan Milke, and Natalie Lenners.

Freshmen receive Greenhand Degrees.

Those receiving the Greenhand Degree, which is for first year high school members who have taken an agriculture education class, were Denae Wolken, Jaycie Vanderbeek, Shanon Fittje, Erin Dorn, Jerod Nieveen, Jasmine Hagemeier, Katie Schoen, Taylor Hesseltine, Holly Marker, Blake Ebbers, and Megan Milke.

Those receiving the Chapter Degree, which is for second year high school members, were Stacie Goracke, Melissa Hottovy, Steph Dorn, Brittany Oltman, Melanie Neukirch, and Kristin Kroese.

Chapter Degrees are given out at Monday's annual banquet.

Mr. Jensen then presented the Star Greenhand and Star Chapter awards. These awards are given to members who have exemplified leadership in the FFA Chapter, excelled in the classroom, and have outstanding SAE programs. The Star Greenhand was presented to Jaycie Vanderbeek, and the Star Chapter was presented to Melissa Hottovy.

Following this presentation, 2003-2004 National FFA Officer, Amy Rasmussen presented a speech entitled "Be The Difference."

The officers then presented certificates of appreciation to community members who have supported the program throughout the past year. Those receiving certificates included Susan Buss, Larry Agena, Jay Fitzgerald, Myron Dorn, Nathan Dorn, Tom and Susan Hottovy, Mr. Bob Michl, Mr. John Brazell, Dale Wolken, Leon Dorn, Teri Nieveen, and Lynn Schlake

The Honorary FFA Degree, which is the degree awarded to parents, community members, and business persons who have rendered outstanding service to the local chapter, was awarded to Jay and Teri Nieveen.

The officer team then announced the results of Career Development Events and Leadership Skills Events throughout the past year. Megan Milke was recognized as a member of the 2005 State FFA Choir, while Melissa Hottovy was recognized as a member of the 2004 National FFA Band. Also, Tim Nieveen was recognized as a 2005 State FFA Degree recipient, which is the highest degree the State FFA Association can bestow.

Mr. Jensen then handed out a few individual awards. The Dekalb Ag Accomplishment Award, which is given to a high school senior who displays superior leadership, scholarship, and agriculture work experience, was presented to Tim Nieveen. Four Freeman FFA Scholarships were handed out to Allison Buss, Tony Buhr, Kyle Dorn, and Tim Nieveen.

Mr. Jensen also handed out Most Improved Members awards, which is given to those FFA members who have personally grown the most within the last year. This year's award winners are Megan Milke and Taylor Hesseltine. Mr. Jensen then introduced the retiring officers for their retiring address. These officers include Allison Buss, Tony Buhr, Kyle Dorn, and Tim Nieveen.

The final part of the banquet was the installation of the 2005-2006 chapter officer team. The new officers are as follows: Melissa Hottovy -- Parliamentarian, Ashley Weyers -- Sentinel, Stacie Goracke -- Reporter, Jaycie Vanderbeek -- Treasurer, Jace Harms -- Secretary, Brooke Wallman -- Vice President, and Kristin Kroese -- President.

Congratulations to all FFA members for their successes this year!