News : CPU FFA wraps the year at Awards Banquet

New Officer Team: Front row left to right: Kinze Manson (secretary), Bella Edler (President), Emmalee Kratz (Vice President), back row left to right Kolten McLaughlin (Sentinel), Audrey Seiler (Co-Reporter), Addyson Sweeney (Co-Reporter), Caleigh Lewis (T

Emmalee Kratz with Honorary Chapter Degree Recipient, Josh Holthaus

Center Point-Urbana FFA Chapter members

Retiring Officers L to R, Brady Holthaus (Co-Treasurer), Bailey Duart (Historian), Emmalee Kratz (Reporter), Bella Edler (Secretary), Ms.Cassie Hosek (Advisor), Avery Sweeney (Vice President), Mya Rawson (President), Jordynn Fink (Sentinel), Jagger Clemon

On Saturday May 17th the Center Point-Urbana FFA chapter concluded the year with their annual awards banquet to honor the achievements of the chapter and members. Dozens of awards were handed out to members who achieved success through the year and the new 2025-2026 officer team was installed at the end of the night.

17 members were awarded their Greenhand degree, and 15 members received their chapter degree. Additionally, the Honorary Chapter Degree was awarded to an individual in the community who has contributed to the chapter and helped its success. This degree was given to Josh Holthaus. Members were also recognized for their success in LDEs at various levels including state.

Many awards were handed out to the members including recognizing an outstanding member from each class. For freshman, Addyson Sweeney received the award, for the sophomores Bella Edler was chosen. For the juniors, Hannah Walvatne, and for the seniors, Avery Sweeney received the award. Additionally, Avery Sweeney also received the award for the most outstanding member this year. 

The CPU Alumni also presented the FFA Alumni scholarship to a senior who has done great work for the FFA and shown true dedication to the field of agriculture. The recipient of the scholarship was Avery Sweeney. The alumni also briefly spoke about the year and how much they and the chapter have accomplished. They successfully raised enough money to build the greenhouse and it will be available next year to add classes and expand the agriculture department at CPU. 

The night was closed with the retirement of the senior officers, followed by the installment of the new officer team. Many of the seniors had been on the team since the founding of the chapter all that they have done for the chapter is greatly appreciated by the members and                 community. They then turned the duty of leadership of the chapter over to the new officer team. Retiring officers were President Mya Rawson, Vice-President Avery Sweeney, Co-Treasurers Brady Holthaus and Jagger Clemons, and Historian Bailey Duart. The new team consists of President Bella Edler, Vice-President Emma Kratz, Secretary Kinze Manson, Treasurer Caleigh Lewis, Co-Reporters Addyson Sweeney and Audrey Seiler, and Sentinol Kolten Mclaughlin. 

Co-Reporters,

Audrey Seiler and Addyson Sweeney