Elizabethton High celebrates accomplishments of FFA members
Published 12:10 pm Monday, May 20, 2024
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The Elizabethton FFA recently hosted its 2024 Annual Awards Dinner, celebrating the achievements of its members and recognizing the unwavering support of the community. Held in the school’s commons, the event commenced with an invocation by Senior Jacob Carpenter, followed by a welcome address from Chapter President Dalton Sharp.
The evening began with a tribute to the year’s activities through a slideshow, capturing the vibrant life within the ag department. As the attendees enjoyed their meal, Dalton called upon Elizabethton Career and Technical Education Supervisor, Mr. Brian Culbert, to introduce the 2023-2024 officer team. Recognition of Supporters: Amberlin Grindstaff, Chapter Secretary, extended heartfelt thanks to the chapter’s supporters, including local businesses and national sponsors such as The American Welding Society Foundation. Special thanks were given to the Elizabethton Farm Bureau for providing the official jackets for the officers.
Highlights and Awards: Mrs. Phillips, a chapter advisor, introduced the Career and Leadership Development Events (CDE) awards, highlighting the chapter’s accomplishments. Pins were presented to students for their participation in various CDEs:
Beef Evaluation: The team placed second in the region.Land Evaluation: Known for its critical role in soil judging and land use assessment.
Environmental Science: The team excelled in the Envirothon, placing second in the region.Forestry: Recognizing expertise in tree identification and forest maintenance.
Parliamentary Procedure: This team showcased their skills in conducting formal meetings and won first place in the district.Degree Awards:
The presentation of degrees followed, starting with the Greenhand Degree awarded to first-year members, symbolizing the beginning of their FFA journey.
The Chapter Degree was next, acknowledging members’ growth and involvement.
Finally, the prestigious State Degree was awarded to five outstanding members: Dalton Sharp, Kaitlyn Crowe, Zoe Hyatt, Tyler Weber, and John Odom.
Outstanding Students and Scholarships: Mr. Jerry Agan, a chapter advisor, praised the chapter’s record-breaking achievements (namely reaching 153 members), also including servicing over 60 pieces of equipment and a successful greenhouse season. He also presented the Farm Bureau Scholarship to Nick Perry, who will attend Penn State to study Turf Grass. The following outstanding students received plaques for their exceptional contributions.
Outstanding Freshman – Sophia Swink; Outstanding Sophomore – Addison Holden;
“Bill Meredith” Outstanding Junior – Andrew Vance;“Buddy Farmer” Outstanding Senior-Jacob Carpenter; Outstanding Greenhouse Student – Colin Phillips Outstanding Ag Mech Student -Eli Powell; The DEKALB Agricultural Accomplishment Award – Dalton Sharp; and Outstanding Scholarship- Tyler Weber & Kaitlyn Crowe
The evening concluded with the installation of the new officer team for the 2024-2025 school year. Dalton Sharp passed the gavel to the incoming president, Hannah Parlier, who led the closing ceremony.
Offices for the 2024-25 school year are Hannah Parlier, President; Amberlin Grindstaff, Vice President of Chapter Development; Lily Walker, secretary; and Sophia Swink, treasurer.