May 18, 2016 - Album - The annual Center FFA Banquet was held recently at the John D. Windham Civic Center on May 12, 2016.
Brittany Hall, Center AG Teacher, introduced Whitlee Reed, Maddie Russell and Gabriela Castaneda to read the FFA Creed at the opening of the banquet. She also gave some history of the creed.
"The FFA Creed, which was written in 1930 to encompass the beliefs of all FFA members, is recited by new members to reflect their growing beliefs in agriculture and agriculture education," said Hall. "Creed speaking is a contest where a member presents the FFA Creed from memory and answers questions about its meaning and purpose."
Awards and degrees were presented to FFA members throughout the evening.
The recipients of the 2015-2016 Greenhand degree are: Zoie Eberenz, Maddie Russell, Carsen Vickers, Jaylee Sims, Kendal Ray, Lexi Parker, Logan Holloway, Lainee Cooper, River Turner, Daniela Gomez, Mark Hutto, Kennodie Robinson, Chris Jackson, Chandler Cartwright, Charles Fountain, Chris Morris, Gracie Clifton, Hector Cadena, Dijon Sanders, Jalee Campbell, Alan Mercer, Holly Wilburn, Lorena Huichapa, Brenna Berwick, Kelsey Strong, Taylor Morris, Tyler Morris, Bertha Morales, Clayton Waller.
Star Greenhand Award was presented to Maddie Russell.
Recipients of the 2015-2016 Chapter Degree are: Blake Griffin, Chasity Ellington, Dylan Denby, Andres Leon, Kaden LaRock, Cale Hall, Santiago Leon, Gaby Castaneda, Emma Locke, Abbie Muckelroy, Nate Morris, Madison McMillan, Lanie Truitt, Tyler Fountain, Dalton Alexander, Logan Speedy, Angelica Shisler, Ruben Soto, and Michel Robledo.
Star Chapter Award recipient was Madison McMillan.
The 2016 Lonestar Degree Recipient was Whitlee Reed.
Being the first year Center FFA has offered Junior FFA membership, special recognition was given to the inaugural Junior FFA members including Kalei LaRock, Seth Shamblin, Lance Holloway and Zach Denby. Present to receive his recognition was Holloway.
Top Hand awards were presented to Kaden LaRock, Ruben Soto, Luis Sequera, Konner Windham, Andres Leon, and Emma Locke.
Monsanto Company has been sponsoring the Dekalb Agricultural Accomplishment Award for the past 67 years. This award showcases the abilities of outstanding senior agricultural students. The award and a $400 scholarship were presented to Michel Robledo.
Seniors receiving blue cords, presented by Jessica Shadix, to wear at graduation included: Andres Leon, Santiago Leon, Gabriela Castaneda, Lorena Huichapa, Michel Robledo, Delana Truitt, Tyler Morris, Taylor Morris, Bertha Morales, and Angelica Shisler.
Honorary FFA Chapter Degree was bestowed upon Jennifer Fausett and Bonnie Reed. Being honored for his constant help was James Greer.
Receiving the Claude Lucas Scholarship was Andres Leon, and receiving the Gilbert Link Scholarship was Gabriela Castanera.
Hall expressed appreciation to all of the parents and family members who were present for the banquet, "I just want to thank you all of you for coming here tonight and celebrating these kids and their successes. They make me one of the proudest teachers in the world, they're so hard working, so respectful, and it's because of you guys (the parents). You all are the support at home that make them that way."
The 2016-2017 Center FFA Chapter officers are Gracie Clifton - Sentinel, Kaden LaRock - Reporter, Maddie Russell - Treasurer, Zachary Fausett - Secretary, Madison McMillan - Vice President, Whitlee Reed - President.
"On behalf of the Center FFA, I would like to thank each of you for coming and supporting the achievements of our members said," Reed.
