By: Evan Rank, Gillett FFA Reporter
GILLETT – The Gillett FFA hosted the annual banquet on Sunday, May 3, 2015 at Romy’s Holiday Inn. Hallie Kopczynski, 2015 Wisconsin FFA Section 8 Vice President was the keynote speaker.
Josh Yonker, Gillett FFA Alumni President, gave greetings on behalf of the alumni.
The Discovery Degree was bestowed to the following middle school members who have been active and taken an agriculture class: Ashley B., Summer C., Samantha K., Annie K., Sydney Y., Justin E., Jerika H., Wyatt H., and Brice W. Jerika H. was named as the recipient of the Outstanding Middle School Member Award.
The Greenhand Degree was given to 15 first year high school members: Noah B., Kalea B., Hanna B., Lauren H. , Elizabeth K., Evan R., Wezley S., Mark V., Reid W., Taylor Y., Alex Y. , Monica I., Sarah N., Mark F., and Leeland K.. Hanna B. and Evan R. were recognized as the recipient of the Star Greenhand Award, recognizing there achievement as a first year member.
High school members who have received the Greenhand Degree and continue to go above and beyond in participation were presented with the Chapter Degree. Erin B., Savannah H., Victoria L., Crystal M., Morgan L., Taylor K., and Maddy W. were recognized as Chapter Degree recipients.
The following members were recognized as the top FFA member in their class based on grade point average: Alex Y., freshman; Erin B., sophomore; Jacob T., junior; Taylor K. and Maddy W., seniors.
Gillett FFA members were active in several career development events (CDE) this year. The following member participated in the district speaking contests: Jacob T., discussion meet. There were also four members that competed in additional CDE contests. The dairy cattle evaluation team included Lauren H., Elizabeth K. and, Maddy W. Jacob T. competed in agronomy.
The following students were recognized for their supervised agricultural experience (SAE) programs where they apply what they learn in the classroom to real life experiences and learn how to keep records: Noah B., Small Animal Production & Care; Kalea B., Poultry Production; Hanna B., Diversified Agricultural Production & Dairy Production; Lauren H., Dairy Production; Elizabeth K., Dairy Production; Evan R., Ag Sales; Wezley S., Small Animal Production & Care; Mark V., Ag Education; Reid W., Beef Production & Dairy Production; Taylor Y., Beef Production; Alex Y., Ag Processing; Erin B., Equine Production; Savannah H., Equine Production; Monica I., Dairy Production & Food Service; Victoria L., Small Animal Production & Care; Crystal M., Small Animal Production & Care; Sarah N., Diversified Agricultural Production; Logan D., Greenhouse Management & Organic Agriculture; Mark F., Ag Sales & Food Science; Leeland K., Dairy Production; Morgan L., Small Animal Production & Care; Thomas N., Diversified Agricultural Production & Ag Mechanics; Jacob T., Beef Production & Diversified Agricultural Production; Taylor K., Dairy Production; and Maddy W., Dairy Production. Danielle T. and Jacob T. completed an extensive application to submit to the state level. Danielle T. received a gold rating and will be recognized at the Wisconsin FFA Convention in June.
Hanna B. was named Top Salesperson. Jacob T. received second place and Aubrey D. placed third in fundraising sales that help support the Gillett FFA Chapter and activities.
Maddy Wilbur was named the 2015 DeKalb Award Winner. This award is given annually to a senior member that exemplifies agricultural advocacy, hard work and commitment.
The retiring officers were of Jacob Timm, president; Hanna Brock, vice president;Thomas Nauke, secretary; Morgan Lisowe, treasurer; Evan Rank, reporter. They were thanked for their year of dedication to the chapter.
The 2015-2016 officer team will be led by Jacob T., president; Hanna B., vice president; Kalea B., secretary; Morgan L., treasurer; Evan R., reporter; and Logan D., Sentinel
Gillett Ag Education 