United FFA “Star” members, from left, freshman Allison Irwin, sophomore Jennie Brinker, junior Maddox French and senior Jacob Readshaw. (Submitted photo)

HANOVERTON — United Local FFA held the annual FFA banquet at United high school May 7.

Over 230 guests were invited to attend the dinner and award ceremony. Betty Whiteleather and the United Local Ruriteens hosted the dinner. The official banquet began with the 2022-23 officer team completing their final opening ceremony.

After the opening ceremony, first and second-year members were introduced and awarded for earning their greenhand and chapter degrees for completing the state web exam. Officers then discussed members who have earned their state degrees this year and what it takes to earn that degree.

At the 2023 Ohio State FFA Convention, United FFA had four members — Olivia Short, Maddox French, Alexandria Householder and the late Zebediah Snyder — who received their degrees in Columbus May 5. Following state degrees, the team recognized two graduated individuals — Rowen Brinker and Cody Cope — who will receive their American FFA degrees in Indianapolis at the 2023 National FFA Convention for their outstanding work and dedication to the FFA. The United FFA chapter then recognized members who have gone above and beyond to compete in CDE’s and competition events. Competitions included State Qualifying Parliamentary Procedure Team, Job Interview, General Livestock Judging and Rural & Urban Soil Judging.

Next, United FFA advisor Tyler Gentry was welcomed to the stage to thank guests for attending and announced the 2021-2022 economic impact that United FFA makes on the community totaling more than $240,000 and 22,000 hours of time dedicated.

Gentry then awarded the “Star” members for each class as follows: Allison Irwin- Star Greenhand award, Jennie Brinker- Star Chapter Farmer award, Maddox French and Jacob Readshaw.

Chapter President Grant Irwin then inducted the 2023 Honorary Member Douglas Sutton. Sutton was the United FFA advisor for 42 years and recently retired in October, but still has not stopped supporting the United FFA chapter.

Campbell Blazer then introduced the Irwin family to receive the 2023 appreciation award, as they did not hesitate to jump in at the beginning of the year to help the chapter to harvest soybeans.

Grant Irwin then inducted the 2023-24 newly elected officers: President Chance Cope, Vice President Louden Stryffler, Secretary Allison Irwin, Treasurer Sophie Johnston, Reporter Jennie Brinker, Sentinel Kaylee Bevilacqua, Student Advisor Colton Sutherin and Parliamentarian Campbell Blazer.

Chance Cope and Allison Irwin then adjourned the banquet by completing the official closing ceremony for the first time as officers.

United FFA “Star” members, from left, freshman Allison Irwin, sophomore Jennie Brinker, junior Maddox French and senior Jacob Readshaw.
(Submitted photo)

Honorary Degree Recipient retired United FFA Advisor Doug Sutton, left, is pictured with current United FFA Advisor Tyler Gentry. (Submitted photo)