New London records five sessions online
By Brooke Casey
The New London chapter of the FFA held a virtual awards ceremony May 11-15 to recognize all members for their work.
The banquet was spread out over five days – the first three days were prerecorded and the last two days were recorded live.
During the five sessions, several students were recognized for their contribution and achievements this year and were joined by Section 8 State Officer Lydia Williams during the third session.
The 86th annual banquet was lead by the 2019-20 officer team of Historian Brooke Casey, Sentinel Lora Korth, Reporter Brayden Hahn, Treasurer Rachel Weyland, Secretary Claire Duch, Vice Presidents Emily Smolinski and Hannah Weyland, and President Peter Gorman.
The first session of banquet began with announcing Discovery degree recipients: Alexis Chrudinsky, Brooke Christman, Jaylynn Dallman, Ethan Eidenberger, Henry Heideman, Lily Hoffman, Abigail Hoier, Emelia Johnson, Claire Klotzbuecher, Ryan Mackey, Kimberly Murphy, Jace Pecher, Samantha Prahl, Brya Schmidt, Danica Wallander, Robert Weyland and Bethany Wilson.
Discovery degrees are earned when a middle school member begins their journey in FFA. They earn their title by participating in FFA events along with learning about what the organization is about.
Another award given out is Star Discovery which is an application filled out by someone that has or is getting their Discovery degree who has been active in FFA. This years Star Discovery was presented to Hanna Gorman.
Greenhand degrees were presented to those individuals who are in their first-year of high school, participate in activities, and start an SAE.
Members who earned their Greenhand degree were Renna Amaral, Jordan Bethke, Leo Dishno, Nick Duch, Izaac Fibke, Kayla Gulbrandson, Jasmine Hegewald, Brianna Jmel, Alexis Kanaman, Chase Kominowski, Carter Kulinski, Marion Kurszewski, Kalisa Nutter, Morgan O’Brien, Allaina Pionke and Heidi Weyland.
The Star Greenhand award, like Star Discovery, is given to a member who has filled out the application while getting their Greenhand degree and participating in multiple events. This year’s Star Greenhand was given to Heidi Weyland.
The Chapter degree is earned by second-year FFA members who have shown their dedication by participating in activities, making progress in their supervised agricultural experience, and staying involved in the organization.
Members earning their Chapter degree were Mikala Calleros-Rivera, Brooke Casey, Triton Crain, Claire Duch, Avari Gassen, Emma Gorman, Lora Korth, Leo Mackey, Kelli Sager, Kiara Swinford, Becca Tank, Abigail Weyland and Rachel Weyland. This is the highest level of degree that can be earned at the chapter level. Peter Gorman was named a Star in Agricultural placement.
This year the New London FFA had three applicants for the State degree. The application is 16 pages and consists of talking about their FFA career, their supervised agricultural experience, and leadership skills.
Recipients of the State degree were Peter Gorman, Emily Smolinski and Brayden Hahn. With this degree, members are able to apply to be a state star. Peter Gorman applied to be a Star in Agricultural Placement and is a state finalist. Another opportunity that comes along with the State degree is applying as a State officer candidate. Brayden Hahn is running as a candidate.
The last degree given out is the Honorary Chapter degree, which is given to school superintendents, principals, members of the school board of education, chapter advisors, teachers, staff members in Agricultural Education, business people, others who help to advance agricultural education and the FFA, and who have rendered outstanding service.
This year the New London High School Principal Brian Yerkey was chosen to be given a lifetime membership in FFA. He has been helpful in supporting the FFA in their events, increasing membership, and being a voice to the administration.