The banquet honored many of Sugar Valley’s FFA members, handing out awards and ribbons to those who have earned them and briefly speaking on the achievements of each of their members.

Advisor Chuck Bechdel introduced the outgoing officers for the 2022-23 year: President Isaiah Conoway; Vice-President Kyle Stahl; Secretary Emma Downing; Treasurer Jordan Litz; Reporter Cohen Homan; Sentinel Wyatt Conoway; Chaplain Thayne Jeffries; Historian Madisyn Garcia; Parliamentarian Olivia Clester

The event also recognized graduating seniors within the FFA: David Allison, Zoe Anderson, Isaiah Conoway, Dakota Cummings, Kerston Goldsmith, Gavin Hampton, Gracey Holter, Coehen Homan, Jordan Litz, Sidney Meixel, William Smith, Kyle Stahl, Kolby Vonada and Brianna Young.

Tori Titus, a competitor in the Area Creed Speaking CDE, recited the FFA Creed for the audience.

BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS Previous officers, President, Isaiah Conoway; Vice-President, Kyle Stahl; Secretary, Emma Downing; Treasurer, Jordan Litz; Sentinel, Wyatt Conoway; Chaplain, Thayne Jeffries; Historian, Madisyn Garcia and Parliamentarian, Olivia Clester.

Titus is a ninth grade student who has been making strides in FFA competitions. She placed first in the school, first in the county, second in the area and is now moving on to a regional competition.

The Keynote speaker for the event was PA State FFA President James Winklosky, an individual who comes from a long line of FFA State Officers from the early 1980’s onward.

Winklosky is a 2022 graduate of Derry Area High School, and plans to attend The Pennsylvania College of Technology, majoring in Diesel Mechanics.

Winkloskey spoke to the crowd about the importance of FFA in the community, and how connections are made through FFA without you even noticing. He encouraged his fellow FFA members to work hard, and to keep making a difference in their communities.

The speech was followed by the presentation of pins, ribbons and awards by advisors Chuck Bechdel, Robbie Weaver, Kim Bohartz and Jamie Fox to chapter members who have gone above and beyond within their chapter.

BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS Members of Sugar Valley Rural Charter School’s Future Farmers of America and community members pose with awards they received during the organization’s 15th annual banquet.

Twenty-three Greenhand pins were awarded to first year chapter FFA members for showing their knowledge in what the FFA stands for. The Star Greenhand, presented to the first year FFA member who has shown exceptional skills and has been very active in the chapter activities, was awarded to Wyatt Conoway this year.

Conoway did exceptionally well in Forestry competitions this season, placing third in the school, third in the county and third in area competitions.

Chapter Farmer pins are awarded to second year FFA members who have successfully obtained their Greenhand pin and who have taken part in the workings of the FFA chapter.

This year, there were 18 Chapter Farmer pins handed out. The Star Chapter Farmer award was presented to Olivia Clester, who has shown exceptional skills and has been active in the chapter activities.

There were also Honorary Chapter Farmer awards handed out. These awards are awarded to individuals or businesses who are helping to advance agricultural education, rendering outstanding service and supporting the FFA chapter by going above and beyond to ensure success.

The first recipient was Dawn Jeffries for supporting the chapter and helping them become strong; the second was Kristal Shade for putting in time and knowledge to help arrange materials for activities and the banquet itself; the final award was given to the SVRCS kitchen staff.

“Thank you all for taking time to prepare our wonderful meals throughout the years and for getting lunches prepared for our field trips,” said Stahl, outgoing vice-president.

After the presentation of the Honorary Chapter Farmer awards, those who received FFA jackets were recognized.

Olivia Clester, Madisyn Garcia and Jordan Litz introduced the importance of the iconic FFA blue jacket and announced this year’s recipients.

“The jacket unifies members in a long-standing tradition and reminds them that they are part of something bigger than themselves,” said Clester.

“The recipients of (the jackets) are first year freshman or sophomore members who have to complete an application to the State Alumni Association on why they have joined the FFA and what the jacket will mean to them,” explained Garcia.

FFA members who are this year’s Alumni Jacket recipients are 9th grade students Michael Garcia, Ellynn Scarborough, Jaelynn Walker and Ethan Weaver.

“The recipients of the PA Farm Bureau Jackets are students who have been active in the FFA for several years. They must complete an application to the local Farm Bureau Chapter and attend a dinner to accept their jacket. (Thank you to) the PA Farm Bureau for supporting our FFA Chapter,” said Litz.

There were two students who received these jackets: Madison Calhoun and Isabell Culvey, both 10th grade.

The pair closed out this portion of the night with the National Forever Blue Jacket award.

“The recipient of the National Forever Blue Jacket is a deserving FFA member who has completed an application for review by the National FFA Organization. This member is Kamden Copenhaver,” said Litz.

There were over 36 Chapter Scholars announced at the event. Chapter Scholars are students who have earned a 3.2 GPA or higher thanks to their hard work in the classroom. Chapter Scholars for 2022-23 include: Lincoln Breon, Nolan Bubb, Madison Calhoun, Olivia Clester, Isaiah Conoway, Wyatt Conoway, Isabell Culvey, Olivia Darby, George Dills, Emma Downing, Lillian Downing, Brandon Galentine, Madisyn Garcia, Madeline Guthrie, Dakota Holdren, Gracey Holter, Tanner Hull, Thayne Jeffries, Olivia Johnson, Thomas Krape, Alli Lucas, Sidney Meixel, Stuart Meixel, Lilly Mundrick, Benjamin Parker, Ryland Reidell, Remington Ripka, Landin Rossman, Ivy Straub, Brynn Swanger, Timothy Underkoffler, Kolby Vonada, Kristopher Walizer, Jaelynn Walker, Ethan Weaver and Nickisha Wetzel.

There were an incredible number of students recognized for their efforts with Competition (CDE) Awards as well, with many of the students placing high in area and county competitions.

After the presentation of all of the awards and degree pins, the previous FFA officers introduced the individuals who would be taking their places.

New Officers for the 2023-24 season are: President Dakota Holdren; Vice-President Madisyn Garcia; Secretary Lilly Mundrick; Treasurer Olivia Clester; Reporter Stuart Meixel; Sentinel Wyatt Conoway; Chaplain Thayne Jeffries; Historian George Dills; Parliamentarian Kohana Yamashita.