FFA advisors Robbie Weaver, Chuck Bechdel, Kim Bohartz and Jamie Fox recognized the students for their hard work and dedication to the SVRCS Chapter of the FFA.

The outgoing officers for the 2024-25 school year included President, Austin Duck; Vice-President, Olivia Clester; Secretary, Isabel Culvey; Treasurer, Kohana Yamashita; Reporter, George Dills; Sentinel, Nolan Paulhamus; Chaplain, Wyatt Conoway; Historian, Teagyn Carey and Parliamentarian, Marrin Clester.

Two students recited the FFA Creed this year, Harper Tressler and Halen Martin.

These two students have represented the FFA well in the Area Creed competition. Both students qualified for the regional competition this upcoming Tuesday, April 15.

BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS Pictured are the incoming officers for this upcoming school year, President, Wyatt Conoway; Vice-President, Kohana Yamashita; Secretary, Harper Tressler; Treasurer, Marrin Clester; Reporter, Evangeline Andrus; Sentinel, Tobias Conoway; Chaplain, Taylor Cantolina; Historian, Halen Martin; and Parliamentarian, Alaina Leigey

The graduating seniors within the FFA were recognized by name, including Lincoln Breon, Nolan Paulhamus, Thayne Jeffries, Olivia Johnson, Parker Liddic, Connor Ohl, Brandon Galentine, Madison Calhoun, Olivia Clester, Isabell Culvey, Austin Duck and Timothy Underkoffler.

This year’s keynote speaker was Jaclyn Martin, the current Pennsylvania State FFA Chaplain.

Martin graduated from Lampeter Strasburg High School and was a member of the Garden Spot FFA.

Martin challenged the students to get out of their comfort zone and talk with new people.

She told a personal story of how she and her friend made the choice to speak with a stranger, an older gentleman who had been eating breakfast alone, and learned his story. The man, Jimmy, was a former equipment operator who lived near where they were getting breakfast. They also learned he was struggling with the passing of his wife.

BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS Pictured are Gene and Heidi Nicholas who were awarded the Honorary Chapter Farmer Award. This award is given 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 make sure they are successful.

“During my time talking with Jimmy, he taught me a lot,” said Martin. “One thing he reminded me is that even in the darkest times there is still hope. He reminded me my career, aspirations and goals for my life could disappear in a second. No matter where you are in life, no matter what season of life you’re in, there is no dream too big.”

She continued, “Jimmy could have stayed stuck in his grief, but he decided to step out and talk to new people. He knew there was still a journey ahead of him for life. He shared the story of his wife — that he loved her, missed her, and was thankful to spend 30 years with her. He kept going because he knew there was much up ahead. Whether its your career path or your FFA journey, your dream is not too big to accomplish.”

“Take time to slow down and realize each moment is a moment that will become a memory,” Martin concluded.

Many pins were presented to students who have gone above and beyond for the program. First were the Greenhand pins. This award is presented to first year FFA members for showing their knowledge in what the FFA stands for.

Recipients of the Greenhand pin include Bentley Andrus, Haileigh Bartusik, Marley Bickel, Finely Paulhamus, Teagyn Carey, Tobias Conoway, Rayleigh Delaney, Caylyn Harris, Alaina Leigey, Halen Martin, Nolan Holter, Cooper Shade, Aaliyah Snook, Brody Swanger and Harper Tressler.

Out of all of these students, one is chosen to receive the Star Greenhand award. This recognition is given to a first year FFA member who has shown exceptional skills and has been very active in FFA chapter activities. This year’s recipient was Harper Tressler.

Chapter farmer pins were awarded to 16 second year FFA members who have successfully obtained their Greenhand pin and have taken part in the workings of the FFA chapter.

The Star Chapter Farmer award was presented to a second year FFA member who has shown exceptional skills and has been active in FFA chapter activities; this year the award was presented to Kohana Yamashita.

More awards were handed out to students who have either taken an active role in making the FFA chapter successful since receiving both their Greenhand and Chapter Farmer pins, or who have made the chapter successful for the past four years — named Multiple Year Appreciation Awards 1 and 2. There were 21 students who received one of these two awards this year.

The next awards to be presented were for Chapter Scholars. Chapter Scholars are students who have earned a 3.2 GPA or higher thanks to their hard work in the classroom. Around 32 Chapter Scholars were announced at the event.

Next came the Honorary Chapter Farmer Award. This award is given 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 make sure they are successful.

There were two recipients of the award this year Gene and Heidi Nicholas and Breanna Hanley.

Every year students receive their iconic FFA blue jackets — representing a beacon of community and pride. These jackets unify members, reminding them they are a part of something bigger than themselves.

Five students received a PA Alumni Jacket this year, including Marley Bickel, Tobias Conoway, Alaina Leigey, Cooper Shade and Brody Swanger.

The PA Farm Bureau also awards two students with a jacket annually. These students must be active in the FFA for several years, complete an application and attend a dinner. These two students were Landin Rossman and Wyatt Conoway.

Clinton County Farm Bureau Coordinator Bonnie Beck and Blaine Walizer, SVRCS Alumni and Clinton County Farm Bureau Board of Directors Director, presented Conoway and Rossman with the jackets.

Walizer also spoke briefly, congratulating the students on behalf of the Clinton County Farm Bureau.

“The FFA jacket is more than just a piece of clothing. It represents a member’s dedication to FFA, their accomplishments within the organization and their connection to the broader agricultural community. It signifies who you are as an FFA member — where you come from — but it doesn’t dictate your future trajectory or destination. (It) is a reminder of the past and a symbol of the present, but the future is up to you to forge,” said Walizer.

There were many students recognized for their accomplishments in competitions throughout the school year through Competition (CDE) Awards. Many of these students received high ranks in area and county competitions.

One of the most prestigious of these awards is the Keystone Degree. It is the highest award you can get in Pennsylvania FFA.

“It is not an easy deal, and we’re awfully proud of them,” said Bechdel.

Five students received the degree this year inducing Nolan Paulhamus, Isabell Culvey, Thayne Jeffries, Olivia Johnson and Timothy Underkoffler.

The new officers announced at the end of the evening for the 2025-26 season are:

— President, Wyatt Conoway

— Vice-President, Kohana Yamashita

— Secretary, Harper Tressler

— Treasurer, Marrin Clester

— Reporter, Evangeline Andrus

— Sentinel, Tobias Conoway

— Chaplain, Taylor Cantolina

— Historian, Halen Martin

— Parliamentarian, Alaina Leigey