Waitsburg FFA Awards Are Heartfelt

WAITSBURG – Outgoing FFA President Tristan Newman gave a touching farewell speech, crediting his "five-foot firecracker" FFA Advisor Nicole Abel, and his father, Travis Newman, as major influences in his life, at the Waitsburg FFA Awards Ceremony on May 17.

Bill Stonecipher, who was recognized for more than 40 years of service as an FFA board member, left a few more teary eyes as he referred to the "four or five generations of students I've watched grow up" as his "kids," and made it clear how much being a part of their lives had meant to him.

Longtime FFA supporters Kari and Travis Newman and Lanny Adams were recognized as Honorary FFA Members for their years of dedication to FFA.

Several teams and individuals earned honors at the recent State FFA Convention in Pomeroy, including Loren Negron, who placed first in Creed, and the National Chapter team. Both will advance to Nationals.

Outgoing 2015-16 FFA Officers were: Tristan Newman, President; Emily Adams, Vice President; Timber Frohreich, Secretary; Devin Newman, Treasurer; Jared Farley, Reporter; and Tom House, Sentinel.

Incoming 2016-17 Officers are: Emily Adams, President, Devin Newman, Vice President; Sydney Fowble, Secretary; Tom House, Treasurer; Devon Harshman, Reporter; Laramie Mathews, Sentinel.

Waitsburg Chapter 2016 FFA Awards and Recognition

Veterinary Science team presentation placed 2nd at State, 12th overall.

Food Science team presentation placed 5th at state, 14th overall.

National Chapter team presentation placed 1st, 14th overall.  Advancing to Nationals.  (Jared Farley, Emily Adams, Tom House)

Creed: Loren Negron placed 1st at State, moving on to Nationals.

Greenhand Degree: Sydney Fowble, Devon Harshman, Laramie Mathews, Loren Negron, Drew Farley, Anissa Holmberg, Ashleigh Hubbard, Brayden Wood, Ky Adams.

Star Greenhand: Devon Harshman

Chapter Degree: Tyler Brooks, Brandon Boudrieau, Tom House, Jade Alleman

Star Chapter Farmer: Tom House

Honorary FFA Member: Kari and Travis Newman, Lanny Adams

State Degree: Emily Adams, Tristan Newman, Caitlyn Jones

District VI Star Farmer: Emily Adams

American Degree Candidate: Mikala DeRuwe

Supervised Agriculture Experience Proficiency Recognition

Chapter Level: Swine Production- Tom House (Gold), Devon Harshman (Silver); Beef Production- Drew Farley (Gold)

State Level: Outdoor Recreation- Laramie Mathews (Bronze); Equine Science - Emily Adams; Diversified Livestock Production- Tristan Newman (Silver); Beef Production - Devin Newman; Goat Production - Sydney Fowble (Bronze).

Trap Shooting: Waitsurg placed 7th overall.  This season Tyler Hoffman, Tyler Brooks, Laramie Mathews, and Devin Newman broke their first 25 birds in a row.

FFA Pride

Most Valuable: Drew Farley and Brayden Wood

Most Inspirational: Loren Negron

Most Active Officer: Tristan Newman

Most Active Member: Anissa Holmberg

Chapter Scholar: Devon Harshman

Dekalb Award: Caitlyn Jones

Senior Recognition: Tristan Newman, Anissa Holmberg, Caitlyn Jones, Coe Richards, Rachel Gradwohl