Creek Valley students recognized at FFA banquet

The Creek Valley chapter of Future Farmers of America recently held its annual banquet and celebrated its 85th birthday.

Allie Blackwelder, Pierce Leef, Joey McConnell, Payje Misegadis, Megan Priest, Sami Schmid and Michael Smith were recognized as “Greenhands.” Noah Lutkehus, Noemi Marin, Cooper Riley, Holden Colomban, Jaden Criswell, Jo Hummermeier, Maddy Johnson, Andi Ortgies, Josh Schievelbein and Kayla Sisco were recognized as earning their Chapter FFA Degree.

Special awards were also handed out. Top Members were: Logan Criswell, Roy Koech, Hannah Schievelbein, Keith Everitt, Chandra Smith, Josh Schievelbein and Blackwelder. Star Greenhand was awarded to Blackwelder, Top 2nd Year Member was Josh Schievelbein, Top 3rd Year Member was Everitt, Star Chapter was Hannah Schievelbein and Criswell was awarded the James Roth Memorial Award.

Installed as the 2015-2016 Creek Valley FFA officers were: President, Everitt; Vice President, Josh Schievelbein; Secretary, Marin; Treasurer, Smith; Reporter, Blackwelder; Sentinel, Nash Leef; and Parliamentarian, Pierce Leef.

The Creek Valley FFA also recognized those who have gone above and beyond to help the FFA Chapter throughout the past year. Marcia Schievelbein, Marty McMillen, Kelly Reichman, Morgan Harm, Trevor Korte, Jeremy Struckman, Amy Jay, Ted Peeks, Ted Classen, Hannah Schievelbein, the Frenchman Valley Coop and the Deuel County Fair Board.

The guest speaker was Maile Ilac Boeder, executive director of The Leadership Center in Aurora, Neb. She explained the importance of charting your own course and how that will make people better.

The Frenchman Valley Coop provided the meal.