Kinmundy, IL-(Effingham Radio)- On Saturday, May 4th, the South Central FFA Chapter held their yearly Chapter Banquet at Kinmundy Christian Church, in Kinmundy. The banquet brought a crowd of nearly 160 people, who filled the gym. The banquet began with an opening ceremony, and a meal of fried chicken, ham, beef and noodles, corn, mashed potatoes, and green beans, catered by Niemergs, out of Effingham.
After the meal, many members received recognition for their hard work and dedication to the FFA organization, and the Career Development Events that they participated in. Students who had a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher were awarded an Academic Award pin to put on their FFA Jackets, for their academic achievements throughout the school year.
Students who qualified for this award included Addison Conant, Preston Cooper, Kiera Cowger, Lucas Curry, Derek Engel, Kyla Engel, Lydia Flowers, Madison Green, Chase Hassebrock, Isabelle Hollowell, Karli Holmes, Evan Hoover, Wyatt Iler, Tyson Jones, Sebastian Kruger, Keira Langley, Meagan Lotz, Zander Reynolds, Westin Neilson, Lorelai Rose, Mya Schaal, Hailey Shuler, Callaway Smith, Addisyn Sigrist, Mackenzie Sullens, Kinlee Thompson, Haileigh Winkel, Bailey Wodtka, Miranda Yates, and River Yingst.
Several FFA members who completed a Supervised Agricultural Experience project in 2023 were recognized next. They kept detailed records of the activities they completed. These members included Keira Langley (Agricultural Processing), Colton Smith (Agricultural Services), Evan Hoover (Diversified Crop Production), Wyatt Iler (Small Animal Production & Care), Briar Brown (Ag Mech Repair and Maintenance), Micah Kraemer (Fruit Production), Hailey Shuler (Diversified Livestock Production), and Callaway Smith (Wildlife Production and Management).
- The Freshman Positive Participator plaque was given to River Yingst. She is a good group leader of the freshman members, has been in many local activities, state, and national events, and is now serving as next year’s Vice president.
- The Sophomore Positive Participator plaque was given to Miranda Yates. She’s been involved in many different activities throughout the year and has served in various CDE teams and community events. She also served as this year’s chapter Reporter.
- The Junior Positive Participator plaque was given to Wyatt Iler. Wyatt has been a very active member this year serving as our chapter Vice president. He participated in many CDE events and completed a detailed record book. He is now serving as next year’s Chapter President.
- The Senior Positive Participator plaque was given to Hailey Shuler. She has been a very active member this year going to local state and national events, completing a detailed record book, and Serving as our chapter president
- The “Step Up, Stand Out” plaque was given to Kenzie Sullens. She is always excited and enthused about being an Ag student and an FFA member. She is now serving as the upcoming year’s reporter.
- The “Helping Hand” plaque was given to Hailey Shuler. He is a part of coordinating or volunteering at other community service events throughout the year.
- The “Chapter Workhouse” plaque was given to Miranda Yates. She is the backbone of the chapter. Miranda goes above and beyond to make sure everything runs smoothly.
- The “Dekalb Award” was given to Kyla Engel. This award is given to an FFA student per chapter who exemplifies scholarship, commitment, work ethic, and passion for pursuing a career in agriculture.
- The “Coach” award was given to Wyatt Iler. He helped keep everyone in line and interject a positive perspective. Wyatt always has a bright outlook on situations and
confidence that everyone will pull through. - The “Golden Pitchfork” was given to Briar Brown. He was always there to lend a helping hand where jobs were needed. He always has a very good work ethic and enthusiasm.
The chapter then recognized the community supporters that they have. The individuals recognized this year are those who helped with our chapter this year. We greatly appreciate their generosity as these funds help pay for registration fees for events, awards, and much more.
The following community members and companies have been major supporters of the South Central FFA:
- Don and Theresa Engel
- Midland States Bank
- Johnson’s Amoco
- Wendell and Kathy Engel
- Marion County Farm Bureau
- T.J. and Casey Bolin
- Donald Hampsten
- Durbin Vet Clinic
- Wilberton Mutual Insurance
- Dennis Wollin
- Louis and Mary Kay Sigrist
- Dale and Janey Jahraus
Later on in the program, the 2024-2025 officer team was installed. Next year’s officer team will include President Wyatt Iler, Vice President of Building Communities River Yingst, Vice President of Strengthening AG Kiera Cowger, Vice President of Growing Leaders Meagan Lotz, Reporter Kenzie Sullens, Secretary Lydia Flowers, Treasurer Tyson Jones, and Sentinel Lucas Curry.
South Central FFA Advisor, TJ Bolin, presented the 2023-2024 South Central FFA Officer team with an officer pin for each officer. The 2023-2024 officer team included President Hailey Shuler, Vice President Wyatt Iler, Reporter Miranda Yates, Secretary Karli Holmes, Treasurer Micah Kramer, Sentinel Addisyn Sigrist, Program of Activities Chair Person Abi Shuler, and Student Advisor Kyla Engel.
Pictured second photo (L to R): Dennis Wollin, Brad Conant from Marion County Farm Bureau, Don and Theresa Engel, Sarena Green from Midland State Bank, and Wendell Engel.
Pictured third photo Front row ( L to R): Kiera Cowger, Tyson Jones, Lydia Flowers, Meagan Lotz, Ag Advisor TJ Bolin, Wyatt Iler, Kenzie Sullens, Lucas Curry, and River Yingst. Back row (L to R): Abi Shuler, Micah Kraemer, Karli Holmes, Hailey Shuler, Miranda Yates, Addisyn Sigrist, and Kyla Engel.
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