Members Recognized at FFA/FCCLA Banquet

by Heather Kampschnieder (Howells FFA Reporter)

May 01, 2008

Howells High School was the location of the annual FFA/FCCLA banquet, which was held on Monday, April 28, 2008. Members, parents, and guests were served a meal before the awards ceremony began. A slide show of pictures taken of the members participating in FFA activities throughout the year was shown as they enjoyed the delicious meal.

FFA members were awarded local proficiencies, which ranged from areas of Agricultural Communications, Home and Community Development, Turf and Grass Management, Wildlife Production and Management, and many others. Members were recognized for their performances at District Leadership Skills Events, which were held at Lakeview in November. Achievements by members at District Career Development Events at Platte College were also recognized at the ceremony.

The Howells FFA Chapter presented members with special awards acknowledging their individual devotion to the chapter. The Star Greenhand Award is given to students in their first year of membership who have shown exemplary knowledge and dedication to the FFA Chapter. Riley Kulhanek and Matt Brester both received this prestigious award. Leadership and highest fruit sales awards were also given to the deserving members. The workhorse award was presented to Eric Burenheide for the work that he had done throughout the year. The seniors who received state degrees at State FFA Convention also received recognition.

Three honorary degrees were presented at the banquet also. This degree is to show appreciation to individuals who have helped the Howells FFA Chapter have a successful year. Ryan Baumert received this award for providing reproductive tracts for the Agricultural Demonstration team and also for helping the Meats Judging team. The award was also presented to Ron and Sharon Burenheide for their involvement in the annual pig fundraiser. For planting and harvesting the FFA plot, Paul and Lois Kampschnieder were recipients of the Honorary Degree.

The appointment of new FFA officers would draw an end to the award ceremony. Cassy Cech was appointed as the new president of the chapter. Two vice-presidents were appointed for the 2008-2009 year. They were Austin Coufal and Carmen Pieper. Derek Brester will hold the secretary position for the chapter, and Dianna Dostal will handle all of the chapter’s financial business as the new treasurer. Heather Kampschnieder will act as the new reporter, and Tara Hegemann will serve as the new parliamentarian. Cody Hegemann will uphold the sentinel office.

Wrapping up the evening the chapter held a member labor auction. FFA members were could be bought by bidders for eight hours of work. Matt Brester, a freshman FFA member, was the auctioneer at the event. This fundraiser replaced the annual pig fundraiser due to the low swine prices and increased feed costs.