MOUNT VERNON – The Mount Vernon FFA held its annual banquet on March 9. Family members came to celebrate members' achievements, participation and hard work throughout the 2020-21 year.
The program began with an introduction to the 2019-20 officer team. Several groups of students were recognized throughout the evening for various awards, activities and participation, including SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) recognition, CDE (Career Development Event) participation, leadership, scholarship, fundraising and degrees.
Dee-Jay's Custom Butchering was presented with this year's Honorary Chapter Degree for donation of meat and various animal systems for the chapter's Vet Sciences class. Nate Beach was also presented with the 2020 Honorary Chapter Degree for continuous support, dedication and service he has shown to the chapter.
The following members received special awards voted on by the chapter or chosen by the instructor: Queen - Anna Patterson; King - Erich Rhodeback; Star Greenhand - Brock Blakenhorn; Star Chapter Farmer - Anna Patterson; Star Senior - Anna Patterson. Additionally, Zoe Mock and Isabelle Bobo were both honored for their gold State Rated Officer Books.
The chapter will graduate eight members with the Mount Vernon High School Class of 2021. Graduating members include Mattie Butler, Isabelle Bobo, Gavin Burke, Raylene Fletcher, Lelia Hill, WIlliam Hux, Anna Patterson and Erich Rhodeback.
The evening concluded with the announcement of the 2021-22 officer team: president - Erin Combs; vice president - Brock Blankenhorn; secretary - Oliver Ruprecht; treasurer - Logan Armstrong; reporter - Orissa Humes; sentinel - Hailey Stagg; student advisor - Ashlyn Lust.
Submitted by Orissa Humes, chapter reporter
