Chinook FFA Chapter Holds Banquet

On Monday, May 10, the Chinook Chapter of the FFA held its 2021 FFA Banquet in the Lloyd D. Sweet Auditorium at Chinook High School. As part of the celebration, multiple awards were presented, accomplishments recognized, new members graduated into the Chapter, and another slate of officers installed to ensure that the traditions of the FFA are carried on.

To make the atmosphere festive, the auditorium was decorated with streamers, table cloths, placemats, and silk flowers-all boasting the signature blue and gold of the FFA. Furthering the agriculture theme, floral vases were filled with grains of wheat, and mints were scattered across the tables. Decorators even cordoned off a blue and gold bordered walkway to honor the seniors.

After Opening Ceremonies conducted by the 2020-2021 officer team, the members and their guests were welcomed by Chapter President Rebecca Stroh. Following her welcome speech, Reporter Ben LaValle recognized the four seniors: Jade Cecrle, Brittney Cox, Austin Swanson, and Stroh. LaValle shared the seniors' advice for future members, as well as a Memorable FFA Moment from each senior. Stroh's favorite memory was placing second in the State Swing Dance Competition and being okay with losing because it was to fellow member Bree Swanson. She also offered this advice: "Be social and make friends from other towns!"

Those in attendance enjoyed a barbecue beef and potluck meal, as well as a slide show featuring the year in review and documenting the different activities in which the Chapter participated. "From the slide show, you can see that the Chinook FFA Chapter works and plays hard, incorporating both learning and fun to achieve and maintain success," Stroh explained.

Following the meal and entertainment, the presentation of awards and degree achievements ensued. Outstanding fundraising awards went to Ayden Alisch for the most fruit sold, Madilyn Gruszie for being the top seller of jerky, and Wyatt Dunbar for outselling everyone else during chocolate sales.

Next, Career Development Event (CDE) Awards were presented to those who participated in Spring Districts at Big Sandy. Competing in Agronomy was Shyla Benzing; Farm Business Management: Madilynn Gruszie; and Ag Mechanics: Christopher Jungers, Wyatt Dunbar, and Austin Swanson. Additionally, Swanson accepted the Chapter Star Farmer Award.

Those who had received American and State Degrees were also recognized, as were those earning Chapter, Greenhand, and Discovery Degrees. Discovery Degrees are awarded to the newest members of the FFA Chapter.

• American Degree: Cord Schneider and Rachel Gunderson

• State Degree: Austin Swanson and Rebecca Stroh

• Chapter Degree: Torin Cecrle, Morgan Friede, Christopher Jungers,

Ben LaVelle, and Bree Swanson

• Greenhand Degree: Aislinn Handy, Wylee Simenson, and Ryley Hofeldt

• Discovery Degree: Ayden Alisch, Falyn Cecrle, Tucker Crawford,

Griffen Crowley, Neva Lowe, Britt Powell, and Wyatt Olmstead.

Finally, Austin Swanson and Rebecca Stroh both received recognition for their proficiency areas: Swanson for Beef Production Entrepreneurship and Stroh for Equine Entrepreneurship. After winning at the state level, both seniors will represent Montana at the national level in November. For their achievement, each received a $250 cash award, a plaque, and a free agricultural commodity tour in Southwestern Montana this summer.

After the presentation of awards, the new officers were installed. During that ceremony, each of the new officers presented the retiring officer with a plaque, thanking that individual for his/her service in the 2020-2021 year: President, Rebecca Stroh; Vice President, Morgan Friede; Reporter, Ben LaValle; Secretary, Bree Swanson; Treasurer, Christopher Jungers; and Sentinel, Torin Cecrle.

For the 2021-2022 year, the officer team leading the Chinook Chapter of the FFA will be President, Bree Swanson; First Vice President, Morgan Friede; Second Vice President, Wylee Simenson; Secretary, Torin Cecrle; Treasurer, Christopher Jungers; and Sentinel, Shyla Benzing.

During officer interviews, which were held Wednesday evening, May 5, Bree Swanson stated that she hopes to increase involvement in the Chapter. Although that is one of her focus areas, she declared that her main goal "is to encourage youth work ethic, cooperation, respect, and citizenship."

She described herself as humble, caring, and hardworking and credits leadership training as a vital component in all aspects of FFA. "Leadership is an essential life skill. It helps FFA members develop self-confidence and responsibilities. The future of agriculture depends on my generation of young leaders and their leadership skill. The FFA Vision says it best, 'FFA provides the next generation of leaders who will change the world.'"

In the opinion of Advisor Karyn Billmayer, the banquet went well. She wished to thank Klint and Lori Swanson for donating and preparing the barbecue beef. "They really pulled the weight on cooking and making final touches to everything. It was a short banquet with the lack of things we have been able to do, but, as always, it was good food and good company."

Billmayer went on to say that she is eager for the future of Chinook FFA: "This first year was a good learning experience, but I am really excited to kick off the summer concessions and get ready for next school year."