The Urbana FFA held its annual banquet on April 17. The banquet was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Kaylan Turnmire. Approximately 213 members and guests were present. After the opening ceremonies, the officers began the dinner (Grill-Able Catering) and called for the beginning of the silent action, which raised $1,200 for Children’s Hospital and the CROP/World Church Organization. The chapter would like to give a special thanks to local businesses who donated items to the auction.
The meeting began with the Chapter FFA Degree Ceremony. Five members received the silver charm of the Chapter FFA Degree. The chapter officers also gave out the very special Honorary Chapter Degree. This degree is given to members of the community who have helped to make a difference in the FFA chapter. Jade and Liza Souders, both Urbana FFA booster supporters, were the recipients. Mr. and Mrs. Souders have been active supporters of the chapter. They have chaperoned events and provided much needed support in many FFA activities.
Mr. Wilhelm and Mrs. Zachrich then presented special awards for those members who participated in Career Development Events over the past year. The Urban land judging team was made up of AJ James, Madisyn Horn, Kelsey Quickle, Mckenzie Richards, Magdaline Perry, Olivia Maurice, Noah Turnmire; who were all recognized for their accomplishments. The rural land judging team was made up of Austin Preece, Mariah Gilliam, Shane Sounders, Billie Stiltner, Morgan Imeland Swayde Finch. Two Parliamentary Procedure teams were recognized. The first being the Beginning Parliamentary Procedure team made up of Ian deNijs, Ashlyn Dunn, Ally Pierce, Cady Perry, Mckenzie Richards, Logan Pelfrey, Nick Crumley, and Sierr Swan.The advanced team was also recognized which was made up of Kaylan Turnmire, Maile Moyer, Magdaline Perry, Kelsey Quickle, Billie Stiltner, and Shane Sounders.The Food Science teams consisted of JD Nelson, Cheyenne Gunsaulies, AJ James, Jared Weller, Jackson James, Swayde Finch. Ag Dianostics was made up of John Cordle, Austin Preece, Nick Crumley, Dalton Sexton, Laythyn Zachrich, and Justin Preece. Another CDE was public speaking, where Jared Weller, JD Nelson, Ashlyn Dunn, Billie Stiltner, and Cheyenne Gunsaulies were the participants. Next, was Job interview where students participated in a mock interview. Magdaline Perry, Kelsey Quickle, Sierra Ross, Kaylan Turnmire, Shane Souders, Maile Moyer, and Kullen Lockwood participated. The Meat Judging Team is coached by Christy Wilhelm and participants are Kaylan Turnmire, AJ James, John Cordle, Jared Weller, and Cheyenne Gunsaulies. The Ag Communications team was Maile Moyer, JD Nelson, and Shane Souders. Finally the Junior High Dairy Products was First at State, McKinley Preece, Peyton Tener, Conor Thomas, and Alyssa Holland.
Top Fruit Sales were also awarded to Kelsey Quickle, Billie Stiltner, and Shane Sounders. Mr. Wilhelm and Mrs. Zachrich also presented plaques to their retiring officer team which was given for their year of service to the chapter.
Mr. Wilhelm and Mrs. Zachrich then presented the star awards. These awards include; Star Discovery (8th Grader): Justin Preece, Star Greenhand (awarded to the most outstanding first year ag. student): Ashlyn Dunn, Outstanding Sophomore: Magdaline Perry, Star Ag Placement (awarded to a Jr. or Sr. who has gone above and beyond to accomplish individual goals as well as chapter goals with a placement SAE): Jared Weller, and the Outstanding Senior: Shane Souders.
The final duty of the officers was the officer installation ceremony. The new officers for 2016-2017 are: Cheyenne Gunsaulies – President, Jared Weller – Vice President, Billie Stiltner – Secretary, Magdaline Perry – Treasurer, McKenzie Richards – Reporter, Alison Melms – Sentinel, Olivia Maurice – Student Advisor, and Assistant Officers – Ashlyn Dunn and JD Nelson.. These new officers have promised to uphold the duties of their office and the traditions of the FFA for the next year. Cheyenne Gunsaulies Adjourned the meeting at 8:30 pm.
