News : VS FFA honors achievements, thanks community, introduces new officers at Banquet

Senior Award Stephanie Auen

This plaque honors Kyle Henkle's achievement.

One of the FFA displays shows how the aquascience effort has progressed

Outgoing president Kyle Henkle addresses the banquet attendees as the event begins.

Emily Cashman helps Deion Dulin with her tie; the two reporters will write FFA stories next year.

The VS FFA honored chaperones for helping them during their trips.

2013-14 President Caleb Svoboda's duties officially began at the end of the 2013 banquet

Mrs. Fleming and the 2013 FFA memberss and their certificates.

New officers

Seniors Tiffany and Stephanie Auen were among the scholarship winners.

Star Greenhand: Cole Emrich

2013 FFA seniors: Stephanie and Tiffany Auen, Timothy Houtchens and Jessica Alderson.

Star Chapter Farmer: Timothy Houtchens

FFA Scholars: Sydney Walker, Riley Ries, Jacob Patrilla and Jessica Alderson.

The Vinton-Shellsburg FFA members did on Saturday what they have done at annual banquets for decades: They celebrated the successes of the 2012-13 school year, honored those who worked for that success, thanked the community and introduced the officers who will lead them next year.

Now in its 83rd year, the FFA chapter and advisor Louise Fleming welcomed 150 guests for the annual event.

Scores of awards for Sub-District, District and State events were handed out, and the annual Star recipients and scholarship winners also received recognition.

Cole Emrich was honored as the Star Greenhand. Timothy Houtchens received his plaque honoring him as the Star Chapter Farmer. First year FFA member Stephanie Auen was named the Outstanding Senior.

The 2012-13 Officer Team included: President Kyle Henkle, VP Caleb Svoboda, Sec. Dawne Schminke, Treas. Jacob Patrilla, Reporters Emily Cashman and Karey Kenney, Sentinel Dillon Brummer and Officer-At-Large John Eden.

The 2013-14 officers are: Pres. Caleb Svoboda, VP Jacob Patrilla, Treas. Riley Ries, Sec. Karley Kenney, reporters Emily Cashman and Deion Dulin, Sentinel Dillon Brummer and Officer-At-Large Timothy Haerther.

Award list

Below is the complete program, including all 2012-13 honorees and award recipients:

2012-2013 VS FFA Banquet

(Dawne Schminke and Dillon Brummer at Sign in Table)

GREETING (President Kyle Henkle)

Kyle:Good Evening! On behalf of the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter, I would like to welcome you all to our 83rd annual Awards Banquet. Thank you all for coming. We are excited about our program this year, and look forward to recognizing our members for their hard work as well as saying ‘thank you” to all of you who have supported our chapter.

Without any further ado, I would like to call upon our chapter, Officer-at-Large John Eden to give tonight’s blessing.

INVOCATION(Officer-At-Large John Eden)

John: Please join me in a moment of reflection.

Thank you for another day that we have cherished. We are privileged, for there are people on this Earth who have not been given the opportunity of being blessed with a life like the one that we live everyday. Please guide us all safely through the field, and provide us with the strength and knowledge to cope with the trials of everyday life, and help us exert a positive influence in our homes and community, to better the lives of everyone around us.

Thank you.

Kyle: Thank you John.

Our meal tonight is listed in the program. On behalf of the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter, I hope you enjoy the meal. Our ushers tonight are John Eden and Dillon Brummer. Ushers, you may begin releasing tables to the dinner lines. We ask that our order tonight be officers, guests, and then members.

MOVIE: 'So God Made A Farmer' commercial

Opening Ceremonies(All Officers Speaking)

President: (two taps) The Auditorium will now come to order. We are now holding the meeting of the 2012 Annual Vinton-Shellsburg FFA banquet. Mister Vice President, are all officers at their stations?

Vice President: I shall call the roll of officers, determine if they are at their stations, and report back to you Mister President. The Sentinel?

Sentinel: Stationed by the door.

Vice President: You’re duties there?

Sentinel: Through this door pass many friends of the FFA. It is my duty to see that the door is open to our friends at all times and that they are welcome. I care for the meeting room and paraphernalia. I strive to keep the room comfortable and assist the president in maintaining order.

Vice President: The Reporter?

Reporter: Stationed by the flag.

Vice President: Why by the flag?

Reporter: As the flag covers the united states of America, so I strive to inform people in order that every man, woman, and child may know that the FFA is a national organization that reaches from the state of Alaska to Puerto Rico and from the state of Maine to Hawaii.

Vice President: The Treasurer?

Treasurer: Stationed at the emblem of Washington.

Vice President: You duties there?

Treasurer: I keep a record of receipts and disbursements just as Washington kept his farm accounts carefully and accurately. I encourage thrift among the members and strive to build up our financial standings through savings and investments. George Washington was better able to serve his country because he was financially independent.

Vice President: The secretary?

Secretary: Stationed by the ear of corn.

Vice President: Your duties there?

Secretary: I keep an accurate record of all meetings and correspond with other secretaries where ever corn is grown and FFA members meet.

Vice President: The Advisor?

Advisor: Here by the owl.

Vice President: Why stationed by the owl?

Advisor: The owl is the time-honored emblem of knowledge and wisdom. Being older than the rest of you I am asked to advise you from time to time, as the need arises. I hope that my advice will always be based on true knowledge and ripened with wisdom. Mister Vice President why to you keep a plow at your station?

Vice President: The plow is the symbol of labor and tillage of the soil. With out labor, neither knowledge nor wisdom can accomplish much. My duties require me to assist at all times in directing the work of our organization. I preside over meetings in the absence of our president, whose place is beneath the rising sun.

Advisor: Why is the President so stationed?

Vice President: The rising sun is a token of a new era in agriculture. If we will follow the leadership of our president, we shall be led out of the darkness of selfishness and into the glorious sunlight of brotherhood and cooperation. Mister President, all officers are at their stations.

President: Thank you Mister Vice President (one tap). The secretary will now call the roll of members.

Secretary: There are ___ members and ___ guests present, Mister President.

President: Thank you. FFA members why are we here? (Three taps)

UNISON: To practice brotherhood, honor agricultural opportunities and responsibilities, and develop those qualities of leadership, which an FFA member should possess (one tap).

President: May we accomplish our purposes. I now declare this meeting of the 2012 Annual FFA Banquet duly open for the transaction of business or attention to any matters, which may be properly presented.

ACTUAL MEETING(All Members)

Kyle:I hope that everyone enjoyed the meal prepared by Merchant’s Grilling, V-S High School Lunch Staff, and Mrs. Payne. Dawne Schminke, our Chapter Secretarywill introduce the special guests we have this evening.

Dawne: When your name is read, will you please stand to be recognized?

Administration

· Mr. Matt Kingsbury, Mr. Ryan Davis, Mrs. Mary Jo Hainstock

School Board

· Sue Gates

· Todd Wiley

· Megan Rickles

· If there are any School Board members we missed, please also stand to be recognized now.

Other Special Guests include:

· Benton Community FFA Members

· LaPorte-Dysart FFA Members

· John Anderson for the continued support to education as a whole, the agriculture department, and FFA chapters

· Mr. and Mrs. Duane Fisher for their continued support to the students of the Vinton-Shellsburg School District.

Please join me in giving them a round of applause!

Kyle: Thank you Dawne. I will now ask Mr. Fisher to come forward and give a welcome.

WELCOME(Mr. Fisher Speaking)

[Mr. Fisher gives welcome]

Kyle: Thank you Mr. Fisher.

Will Daisy Johnson please come forward and present the FFA Creed?

CREED(Daisy Johnson Speaking)

Kyle: Thank you Daisy.

AWARDS

Yield Contest Awards (Timothy Houtchens Speaking: Kyle Henkle Presenting Awards)

Kyle:We will now be presenting our evening’s awards. As we call the award winners, please come and stand to my right. Please hold your applause until the end. Will Timothy Houtchens, please come forward to help me present this year’s yield contest results.

Timothy: Our FFA chapter sponsors corn and soybean yield contests every year for the local farmers. There were 9 yield checks done this year by our chapter members. Unfortunately, this number was impacted by the drought. The yield checks involve students getting out of class to participate in hands-on ag education. The grain harvested is taken to the elevators to be weighed and the students measure the area combined. I would now like to present the results of the yield checks. When I call your name please come forward.

The top corn yields were:

3. Lance Lillibridge Pioneer P0717HR 206.33

2. Mike Kauffman Dekalb DKL6297 209.77

1. D & T Farms (Steve Johnson) Pioneer P1498 217.03

Kyle:Thank you Timothy and congratulations to our yield contest winners. Let’s give the yield contestants a round of applause.

We will now be announcing our sub-district, district, and state leadership award winners. These members have spent much time preparing for contests both individually and as a group. Will Dillon Brummer, and John Eden please come forward to help me announce our leadership event awards? When the contestant’s names are called, please come forward to receive your award.

Sub-District Awards (Dillon Brummer Speaking: Caleb Svoboda, John Eden, and Dawne Schminke Presenting Awards)

Dillon: At this time, I will recognize our sub-district contest individuals. This February, we had nineteen members participate in leadership contests at Hawkeye Community College.

They include:

• Chapter Program: Hannah Seitz, Jacob Patrilla, Cole Emrich – Gold Advance to Districts
• Public Speaking:Karley Kenney – Silver Advance to Districts
• Conduct of Meetings: Keri Webster, Amanda Burkey, Emily Reisch, Sydney Walker,

Jessica Alderson, John Eden, and Shane Monaghan – Silver

• Job Interview: Emily Cashman– Silver
• Parliamentary Procedure: Caleb Svoboda, Kyle Henkle, Stevie Henry, Stephanie Auen,

CJ Fowler --Silver

• Creed Speaking:Daisy Johnson – Silver Alternate to Districts
• Extemporaneous Speaking:Riley Ries -- Bronze
• Greenhand Quiz:

o Katie Isbell, Jessica Alderson – Gold

o Sydney Walker, Keri Webster, Amanda Burkey, Shane Monaghan, Cole Emrich – Silver

o Hannah Seitz, Daisy Johnson, Stephanie Auen, Emily Reisch – Bronze

• Chapter Farmer Quiz:
  • Jacob Patrilla – 2nd Place
  • Emily Cashman –10th Place
  • John Eden – Gold
  • Riley Ries – Silver
  • Stevie Henry, CJ Fowler - Bronze

Congratulations! John Eden will now announce the results of the District Competition.

District Awards (John Eden Speaking: Dillon Brummer, Caleb Svoboda, and Dawne Schminke Presenting Awards)

John: At the District level, several of our members participated in contests at Sumner Fredericksburg

High School in March. Would they please come forward to accept their awards when your name is read?

Those participants were:

• Ag Issues:Stephanie Auen, Tiffany Auen, Deion Dulin, Dillon Brummer,

Shane Monaghan – Bronze

• Chapter Program: Hannah Seitz, Jacob Patrilla, Cole Emrich – Silver
• Public Speaking:Karley Kenney -- Bronze
• Reporter’s Scrapbook: Emily Cashman, Karley Kenney –Silver
• Treasurer’s Record book: Jacob Patrilla – Silver
• Secretary’s Minute Book:Dawne Schminke -- Bronze
• Greenhand Quiz:
  • Sydney Walker 2nd place – Gold
  • Jessica Alderson 7th place – Gold
• Chapter Farmer Quiz:
  • Emily Cashman 4th place – Gold
  • Dawne Schminke--Bronze

Congratulations to all contestants. Dawne Schminke will now read the State Award winners.

State Awards:(Dawne Schminke Speaking: Caleb Svoboda, Dawne Schminke, and John Eden Presenting Awards)

Dawne: State Conference is something that we look forward to throughout the year, whether competing in CDE’s or attending the career show, V-S FFA members certainly always have a great time. This year 28 members and 4 chaperones attended the conference held April 21-23, in Ames.

Members competed in the following events:

· Farm Business Management: Riley Ries, Keaton Robb, Shane Monoghan, Karys Lillie– Bronze

· Team Ag Sales: Timothy Houtchens, John Eden, CJ Fowler, Timothy Reynolds- Bronze

· Greenhand Quiz: Jessica Alderson- 6th Place gold

· Sydney Walker- Silver

· Chapter Exhibit:Emily Cashman, Hannah Seitz, Jacob Patrilla, Stevie Henry, and Cole Emrich--Silver

· State Choir participants: This year, Aaron Burkey, Amanda Burkey, and Sadie Novotny were accepted into the State FFA Choir. They practiced and performed during the State FFA Convention where they demonstrated their talents. Aaron, Amanda, and Sadie, would you please come forward?

· State Degrees: This year we had six members achieve the requirements for earning their state FFA Degrees. These members have had two or more years of Ag education and FFA membership, have earned their Chapter Farmer Degree and have a SAE project where they have productively earned and invested at least $1000. This year’s State Degree recipients are Dillon Brummer, Timothy Haerther, Kyle Henkle, Timothy Houtchens, Karley Kenney, and Caleb Svoboda.

· State Proficiency Award: Timothy Houtchens applied for a state level proficiency award on his SAE project of calibrating planter meters and working hours for B and B Seeds here in Vinton. His application placed first in the state and advances to the National level and will be announced in October.

· Stars Over Iowa Degree: Kyle Henkle applied for the Stars Over Iowa battery showcasing his skills and growth in his SAE award program. Kyle was selected as one of Iowa’s six finalists at State FFA Convention.

· Iowa Today Journalism Award: The chapter reporters, Emily Cashman and Karley Kenney, were selected by the Iowa Today publication as the State Runner-Up in the journalism award for the quality of their chapter coverage.

· SAE/Ag Ed Award: Emily Cashman and Karley Kenney submitted articles covering not only what our FFA chapter does, but also the member’s SAE project and Ag Ed classroom articles and were recognized with the SAE/Ag Ed Award at the State Convention.

· State Chapter Awards: At state convention this year, our chapter was awarded with a few recognitions. They were:

• Supreme National Chapter Award – Gold Award: 6th place chapter in state – advancing to the National level.

o Ambassador Award: for donations and contributions back to the State FFA Foundation to support.

Caleb Svoboda will now recognize our chaperones.

Chaperones:(Caleb Svoboda Speaking: Kyle Henkle Presenting Awards)

Caleb:

· Finally, we would like to recognize our chaperones Susie Henkle, Tina Eden, Diane Kenney, and Scott Fleming. Please come to the stage at this time. (Pause until on stage). Thank you for putting up with us and taking care of us during our trip. You made it possible for us to attend state convention. Thank you so much for all you do. Here is a token of our appreciation. These shirts say everything. I wore the Blue Jacket and I support the Blue Jacket. Thanks again to all of you for your help and support during our trip.

Kyle:Thank you, Congratulations to these participants, and thank you to our chaperones. Deion Dulin will now recognize members that participated in Horse and Livestock Judging.

Horse/Livestock Judging/Ag Mechanics: (Deion Dulin Speaking: Kyle Henkle Presenting Awards)

Deion: In October we had 3 members participate in Horse Judging and 2 members participate in Livestock Judging at Kirkwood Community College. The Horse Judging team placed 14th and the Livestock judging team was too small to place as a team. Will the following members please come forward and receive their award

· Kirra Darling

· Mike Harris

· Lucas Kalina

· Sadie Novotny

· Meranda Sanders

Deion: On Thursday, 6 members, comprising 2 teams, went to NICC in Calmar to compete in the District Ag Mechanics event. These guys worked on electrical configurations, had to problem solve a mechanical error message, take a general knowledge exam, and work on parts of a combine. Overall, there were at least 17 teams competing. Cole Emrich, Kyle Henkle and Bastian Primmer placed 7th at the district level and CJ Fowler, Brandon Tharp and Garrett Wilson also competed. Please help me in congratulating these gentleman.

Star Awards (Kyle Henkle, Riley Ries, Stephen Stinson (or Caleb Svoboda) Speaking and Presenting Awards)

Kyle: Thank you, and congratulations to these members. At this time, we will be awarding the Star Greenhand, Star Chapter Farmer, and Star Placement awards. Will Riley Ries and Stephen Stinson please come forward to announce this year’s award winners.

Star Greenhand

Riley:The Star Greenhand degree is awarded to a first year FFA member who has earned their Greenhand degree and is active in the chapter. Even though it is their first year in FFA, they are already fully aware that it is okay to treat the Ag room as a second home. This year's Star Greenhand may start out as shy, but he is always ready to participate in the next activity. Just a few of the activities he has participated in include: Farm Safety Day, Holiday Sales, Corn Picking, and Career Development Events such as Chapter Program and Chapter exhibit. I’m pleased to announce that this year’s Star Greenhand Award goes to Cole Emrich!

Star Chapter Farmer

Stephen:The Star Chapter Farmer award is given to a member who has been in FFA for two or more years and earned their Chapter Farmer degree. This year, the recipient of the Star Chapter Farmer award has put a lot of time and effort into making the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter the best it can be. This person has served as an officer, went above and beyond in our holiday sales fundraiser, and has been involved in many activities throughout their four years of membership. Their efforts and hard work have shown through in many activities. I’m proud to call Timothy Houtchens up to receive this year’s Star Chapter Farmer award!

Kyle: Thank you Riley and Stephen and congratulations to our Star Award Recipients! Emily Reisch will now read the Leadership-Merit Awards.

Leadership-Merit Awards (Emily Reisch Speaking: Caleb Svoboda Presenting Awards)

Emily: We have a merit point system that is used in our Chapter to encourage Agriculture Education students to get more involved in FFA. Members receive merit points for many different activities that our Chapter offers, such as selling fruit and participating in our labor auction. Each member of the FFA Chapter has a goal set for merit points and they must reach their goal to receive this award. A Greenhand must earn at least 275 points, a Chapter member at least 375, and Officers are required to earn at least 525 points. I am proud to present the Leadership Awards to the following 29 members. As I call your name, please come forward to receive your leadership pin and certificate.

Officers

• Kyle Henkle
• Caleb Svoboda
• Dawne Schminke
• Jacob Patrilla
• Emily Cashman
• Karley Kenney
• Dillon Brummer
• John Eden

Chapter Farmers

o Blaik Cooper

o Kirra Darling

o Jessica Dickerson

o William Greenwood

o Tim Haerther

o Timothy Houtchens

o Karys Lillie

o Ashtyn Plower

o Riley Ries

o Keaton Robb

Greenhands

· Jessica Alderson

· Stephanie Auen

· Tiffany Auen

· Amanda Burkey

· Cole Emrich

· C.J. Fowler

· Stevie Henry

· Katie Isbell

· Daisy Johnson

· Lucas Kalina

· Sadie Novotny

· Bastian Primmer

· Emily Reisch

· Timmy Reynolds

· Meranda Sanders

· Hannah Seitz

· Josh Shafar

· Sydney Walker

· Keri Webster

Kyle: Thank you, and congratulations to our members for their participation in FFA activities. Jacob Patrilla and Stevie Henry will now present a certificate to the top sellers in this year’s Holiday Sales.

Fruit Sales (Jacob Patrilla Speaking Stevie Henry Presenting Awards)

Jacob: Every year, our chapter conducts its annual Holiday Sales fundraiser. This year, 11 members sold 1000 dollars’ or more of sales, making them members of our chapter’s 1000 dollar club. The top selling members were:

· Cole Emrich with $1166.50

· Emily Cashman with $1247.00

· Riley Ries with $1411.75

· Keri Webster with $1422.50

· Blaik Cooper with $1425.50

· Karley Kenny with $1458.00

· William Greenwood with $1692.75

· Caleb Svoboda with $1953.50

· Dillon Brummer with $1980.00

· Kyle Henkle with $2004.00 in the 2000 Dollar Club

· And Timothy Houtchens with $4255.50 in the 4000 Dollar Club! Setting a new Chapter Record!

Congratulations to our top selling members! Thank you for exerting such a great effort in raising money for our chapter. The money raised from fruit sales is used to fund the many activities and events the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA attends throughout the year, such as State and National Convention.

Proficiency Awards (Stevie Henry Speaking: Tim Haerther Presenting Awards)

Kyle: Congratulations! And thank you for taking the time to represent our chapter so diligently. Now, it is time for Stevie Henry and Tim Haerther to recognize our Local Proficiency Award applicants.

Stevie:Currently, there are three members that have applied for their proficiency area. There can only be one member receiving an award in each area. Proficiency awards are given to each member for excellence in their Supervised Agriculture Experience, or SAE. Proficiency winners, please come up as your name is read?

Emily Cashman’sSAE project is Nursery Operations. Emily has worked in the green house as the greenhouse manager in getting plants picked out, watered, growing, and ready for spring plant sales. She keeps records on her project and learns about different plants and managing a greenhouse along the way. She hopes to continue to work in the greenhouse throughout the year in growing various new things.

Kyle Henkle’sSAE project is Diversified Crop. Kyle is managing a 70 acre corn and soybean field. He has kept records on his project and has even applied for his own operating line. He hopes to learn the complete aspects of managing and marketing his crop and eventually take over part of the family farming operation.

Timothy Houtchens’s SAE is Agricultural Sales and Service. Timothy works at B&B Seeds in assisting in meter sales and calibration as well as delivering seed. He keeps records of his work done, and used his knowledge to compete in Ag Sales at State last year. He hopes to continue to work and stay in the field of Agricultural Sales.

Congratulations to all our Proficiency Winners.

SAE Award (Tim Haerther Speaking and Presenting Award)

Tim: An important part of a Supervised Agricultural Experience is record keeping. Each year the chapter recognizes a junior member who has done an outstanding job managing and expanding their SAE project(s). This recipient has expanded his project from a 4 acre test plot to farming a 70 acre field. He has developed skills in raising and marketing his corn and beans. Kyle has been learning to maintain and calibrate much of the equipment that is needed to manage a crop operation.

Tim:Congratulations Kyle. Karley Kenney and Emily Cashman, will you please come to award our next winners?

Chapter Scholars (Karley Kenney Speaking: Emily Cashman Presenting Awards)

Karley:We would like to take a moment to recognize those students who have succeeded academically throughout their high school career. We will honor the top student in each grade based on their cumulative GPA. Would you please come forward to receive your certificates of achievement and pins? The winners are:

· Freshman: Sydney Walker

· Sophomore: Riley Ries

· Junior: Jacob Patrilla

· Senior: Jessica Dickerson

Congratulations to all of you as your hard work and efforts have paid off!

Kyle: Thank you Karley. Mrs. Fleming, please come forward to present the Dekalb and Outstanding Senior awards.

DEKALB Winner (Mrs. Fleming Speaking and Presenting Award)

Mrs. Fleming: Every year, the Dekalb Seed Company sponsors one senior student from every chapter to be recognized as their award winner. This person should display an interest in a career in agriculture, been successful in agriculture education classes, as well as other curriculum, and been an active asset to their FFA chapter. They receive a certificate from the DeKalb Company. This year’s award winner is Nathan Merchant! Please step forward to accept your award.

OUTSTANDING SENIOR - Tractor Award (Mrs. Fleming Speaking and Presenting Awards)

Mrs. Fleming: The outstanding senior award is a tractor sponsored by the Beirshenk Farms. Would the Beirshenks, please come forward to help me present this award? They have been donating a tractor to our chapter to present to a senior member that has shown hard work and diligence to our chapter’s programs and activities. The outstanding senior award is presented to a senior in FFA who has shown outstanding leadership in their school, community, and FFA chapter. This senior has been involved in activities such as Parley Pro, Fruit Sales, Farm Safety Day, Ag Foods, Nursery Landscape, Homecoming Float, Corn Picking, and the Tailgate. Although, they are a Greenhand Senior, they have shown true leadership and responsibility in this FFA chapter. This year’s outstanding senior award goes to Stephanie Auen! Please come forward to receive your award!

Kyle: Congratulations to all of tonight’s winners! Would Karley Kenney and Emily Cashman please come forward to help present our Senior Scholarships?

SCHOLARSHIPS (Karley Kenney and Emily Cashman Speaking: Dillon Brummer and Kyle Henkle Presenting Scholarships if sponsor not present)

Advisor’s Scholarship-Sponsored by Chuck and Marilyn Yedlik:

Emily:

I would like to ask Mr. and Mrs. Yedlik to come forward to present this years’ recipient their scholarship.

For the past three years, Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Yedlik have sponsored a $1,000 scholarship to recognize a student that is pursuing a degree in the agriculture field. It is stressed that this financial award is not limited to only the highest achieving student, but merely hardworking and driven students looking to better themselves with higher education.

This year’s winner has demonstrated that they are hardworking and self-driven in many aspects of their life. This person has been an active FFA member for four years helping our chapter complete the many activities we do. This person has served as a chapter officer and as a chairperson on many committees for our chapter. This person plans to attend Hawkeye Community College and attain degrees in agronomy and Ag mechanics.

This year, the Advisor’s Scholarship is proudly presented to: Timothy Houtchens.

Farmer’s Savings Bank and Trust:

Karley:

Would Mr. Ricklesfrom Farmer’s Saving Bank please come forward to recognize this year’s recipient? Farmer’s Savings Bank for many years now has been donating $500 to a senior FFA member that has demonstrated leadership skills and outstanding service to the chapter and the community. This year’s recipient of the Farmer’s Savings Bank and Trust Scholarship is: Timothy Houtchens.

The Ross and Shirley Wiley Scholarship:

Emily:

Mr. and Mrs. Wiley, would you please come forward to present your scholarship? The Wiley’s approached Mrs. Fleming early in the school year to sponsor a scholarship starting this year. They were looking for a person with at least 2 years of active FFA membership, attending either a 2 or 4-year college in Iowa, and preferably pursing a career in agriculture. This year’s recipient is looking at attending Des Moines Community College potentially majoring in Ag Business. Tiffany Auen, would you please come forward to accept your $500 scholarship?

Crop Plot Scholarships:

Karley:

Would Mr. John Anderson please come forward to assist us in distributing this year’s senior scholarships? Thanks to the Anderson’s generous donation of land for our students crop research plot, we have been allowed to continue a scholarship program for our deserving senior FFA members. This year’s winners of the $500 Crop Plot Scholarship goes to:

· Stephanie Auen: Is planning to attend Hawkeye Community College and majoring in Criminal Justice.

· Jessica Dickerson: is pursuing a degree in human food and nutrition at Kirkwood Community College.

· Kyle Dulin: will be attending Kirkwood Community College in the fall majoring in Ag Deisel Mechanics.

· Riley Hopkins: is planning to attend Kirkwood Community College majoring in welding or mechanics.

Kyle: Congratulations to all of our scholarship recipients. Dawne Schminke and Caleb Svoboda will now present our honorary degree recipients.

HONORARY DEGREE (Dawne Schminke and Caleb Svoboda Speaking: Kyle Henkle Presenting Awards)

Dawne:The Honorary Degree is bestowed to people who have aided our chapter above and beyond. The Honorary Degree is a one-time award and is considered the highest level of appreciation our chapter can bestow. This year, we have 2 Honorary Degree recipients. Please come forward and remain on stage until you receive your plaque. Would Kyle Schminke and Greg Walston please come forward?

Dawne:Daddy. Thank you for helping our FFA Chapter by combining our corn on the test plot, taking it to the Tama Benton CO-OP, and explaining to us what you were doing, all for the love of Agriculture. Even though you could have been making lots of money in the business, you decided to invest in one of the most important things in America, the Future of Farming and Agriculture.

Caleb:Mr. Greg Walston. You have been involved in our growth of Agriculture throughout our entire childhood, and now our young adult, life. You’ve spent many hours helping students practice for competitions, teaching them Agronomy and Soil testing, watching over our master yield checks, and all the while stayed committed to the ISU Extension office and 4-H, just to keep American Agricultures future strong and bright.

Caleb: On behalf of every member, I wish to say we are proud to have you all as honorary members. May this affiliation prove valuable to us all. I impress upon you that we look to you for counsel and guidance. It is because of the great respect we have for you that you have been elected to honorary membership. May we always cooperate for the benefit of all. I now confer upon you honorary membership in the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter and present you with this plaque of membership.

(Kyle Give Plaques)

Thank you, Kyle Schminke and Greg Walston for all your time and dedication to the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA.

Kyle: Thank you once again. We appreciate all you do.

At this time, we would like to present appreciation certificates to the people that support us throughout the year. Emily Cashman and the Officer Team will now come forward to read the names of our recipients and hand out certificates.

APPRECIATION AWARDS ( Emily Cashman Speaking and Officer Team Handing out Certifiates)

Emily: We have a vast amount of supporters that help with many aspects of our chapter. We will be recognizing supporters in 8 different categories. Without the support of these community members, our chapter would not function. Due to the vast amount of supporters our chapter has, we apologize in advance if any names are missing. Please believe me when I say you are all so very important to what we do and what we can accomplish. There are multiple categories, some names may be read twice. As your names are read, please come up on stage to receive your certificate and remain for a group picture. Thank you for all your support.

The following are recognized for their contributions to our chapter’s Crop Plot:

· Jenny Anderson with Tama Benton

· John Anderson

· Brian Carlson

· Bob Hanson

· Jeff Rollinger with FS

· Kyle Schminke

The following are recognized for their contributions for CDEs:

· Paul Beirshank

· John Buhr

· Stacie Buhr

· Pete Burmeister

· Brian Carlson

· Cindi Elwick with Natures Corner

· Mr. Duane Fisher

· Stan Geiken

· Bob Hanson

· Susie Henkle

· John Holst

· Chad Newton

· Laura Payne

· Miss Amanda Repp

· Mrs. Debrah Vaughn

· Greg Walston

· Todd Wiley

The following are recognized for their contributions to our chapter in various ways throughout the year:

· Benton County Fair Board

· Berry’s Lanes

· Paul Bierschenk

· Cedar Valley Times

· Dollars for Scholars

· Don Eells

· Fareway Grocery, Inc.

· Dave Grunklee with Hawkeye Community College

· Jim Huber

· Carol Kerner with Farm Bureau

· Kromminga Motors

· LaPorte – Dysart FFA Chapter

· Laura Payne

· Allen Merchant

· Mark Merchant

· Merchant’s Grilling

· Teresa Meyer with Farm Bureau Insurance

· Matt Marovic

· Mark Pingenont

· Theisens

· Michelle Thomsen

· Mr. Eric Upmeyer

· V-S Cooks

· Vinton Eagle

· Vinton Parks and Recreation Dept.

· Vinton Today

· Vinton Unlimited

· The Vinton Vet Clinic

The following are recognized for their contributions to our chapter’s Labor Auction:

· John Anderson

· Benton County Cattlemen

· Benton County Pork Producers

· Bob Brecke

· John and Mary Buhr and Family

· Mr. and Mrs. Emrich

· Eden Mutual Insurance

· Fareway Grocery, Inc.

· Farm Bureau Insurance

· Farmers Savings Bank and Trust-Vinton

· Henkle Farms

· Kenny Henkle

· Robin & Beate Hoffman

· Interstate Grain

· Johnson Auction Sales

· Sandy Johnson

· Jorganna Farms

· J&S Farms

· John and Ellen Olson and Family

· Bob Hanson and Brian Carlson of Pioneer Seed and PHI Ins.

· Pioneer HyBrid- Stacie Buhr

· Pratt Creek Cattle

The following are recognized for their contributions to our Agriculture Advisory Committee:

· Linda Fischer

· Mrs. Mary Jo Hainstock

· Susie Henkle

· John Holst

· Jim Huber

· Mr. Matt Kingsbury

· Mark Pingenont

· Todd Wiley

The following are recognized for their unconditional support of the Ag Ed/FFA Program:

· John Anderson

· Duane Fisher

Officer’s parents are usually the last to be thanked, but we know it is a big job to be an officer and it

could not be done without the support of parents. The Officer Parents include:

· Alan and Susie Henkle

· Jeff and Monica Svoboda

· Kyle and Kyla Schminke

· Ray and Lory Patrilla

· Holly Cashman and James Cashman

· Jeff and Diane Kenney

· Brian Brummer and Chris Relf

· Dennis and Tina Eden

Kyle: Thank you once again for your support. Let’s please give all of our community members a large round of applause. Without you and your support, our chapter would not be 83 years strong! You may be seated.

Graduation Cords: (Jacob Patrilla Speaking: Mrs. Fleming Presenting Awards, Kyle Henkle assisting)

Jacob: Throughout its history, our chapter has been shaped by its members and made greater through their hard work and dedication. At this time, we would like to recognize a special group of these members who have contributed their services to this chapter. These people have helped lead us through their experience, guided us with their knowledge, and worked hard to make this chapter what it is today. They have either completed 4 years in FFA or participated in many events and met their leadership point goals. These members include:

· Stephanie Auen

· Tiffany Auen

· Aaron Burkey

· Jessica Dickerson

· Kyle Dulin

· Riley Hopkins

· Timothy Houtchens

· Nathan Merchant

· Brandon Tharp

· Brandon Trunecek

Now these, our graduating members of 2013, are ready for challenges beyond the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter. We are reluctant to see them go, but will always cherish the fond memories they have left behind. Good luck in the future to all our seniors and thank you for your service.

Retiring Senior Officer Presentation:(Caleb Svoboda Speaking: Karley Kenney Presenting Awards)

Caleb:Next, we would like to recognize the retiring officer who was on our 2012-2013 officer team. We will award him with a special presentation for their contributions to the team and the chapter. This year, the recipient is:

· Kyle Henkle-President

Thank you for your services to our chapter.

Screen Coming Down

OFFICER RECOGNITION (All Officers Speaking)

Kyle: Thank you Caleb. Now, for one of the most important parts of the night, I would like to call forward my fellow officers and their parents for this year’s parent appreciation presentation.

OFFICER RECOGNITION POWER POINT (During Speeches):

Kyle:

Caleb:

Dawne:

Jacob: Thanks Mom and Dad, for supporting me both as an FFA member and your son. You’ve been more than understanding with me when I’ve been staying late working on the treasurer’s book or keeping our fish alive. Thank you also for allowing me to use one of our few working vehicles whenever I need it and providing all the fuel required. I also would like to thank my sister, Michelle, for her support in attending all my FFA events, even when she could’ve been elsewhere.

Emily:

Karley:

Dillon:

John:

Finally, we would all like to thank Mrs. Fleming for all she does for us. I think the whole officer team and FFA members would agree, she treats us like her own kids. Thank you for everything. J

Parent Carnation Presentation:(All members come forward to present carnations)

Kyle: On behalf of the entire FFA chapter, we would now like to recognize all our parents with a yellow carnation. This flower symbolizes our sincere gratitude for their support in our efforts over the course of the year. At this time, I would like to invite all chapter members to present a flower to their parents as a token of our gratitude. Parents we wouldn’t be able to accomplish what we have, without your assistance. Thank you all for your love and support.

POWERPOINT: (Emily setting up Year in Review Slide Show.)

Kyle: We will now watch our highlights of the year. Please turn your eyes and ears towards the screen. J

YEAR IN REVIEW SLIDE SHOW:(Emily Cashman) (retiring officers please make way to stage and take off jackets - put them on hanger/table)

Kyle: Let's give Emily a round of applause for creating our year in review slide show.

Before we conclude our evening, there is one last item of business that must be attended to - installation of officers.

(Current officers will stand go back by light booth with their new officers)).

SOUND: Music playing Alan Parsen’s Project…while new officers are being announced.

Installation of New Officers (Kyle Henkle Speaking: Presenting Pins)

Retiring President(Kyle): New officers, please come forward when your name and new office is called.

The 2013-2014 Vinton Shellsburg Officer team will include!

· Officer At Large – Tim Haerther (John run Tim to the stage)

· Sentinel - Dillon Brummer (Run self on stage)

· Reporters – Emily Cashman and Deion (Run self and Deion on stage)

· Treasurer – Riley Ries (Run self on stage)

· Secretary – Karley Kenney (Dawne run Karley to stage)

· Vice President – Jacob Patrilla (Run self on stage)

· President – Caleb Svoboda (Run self on stage)

Retiring President(Kyle): Congratulations! It is a privilege to be an officer in the FFA. During this year, you may encounter some very difficult situations, but through cooperation, hard work, and dedication, you will succeed, and the FFA chapter will prosper. Does each of you accept the responsibility of upholding the ideals and principles of the FFA to the best of your ability? If so answer, "We do".

Newly Elected Officers: "We do."

Retiring President(Kyle): I now declare each of you properly and duly installed in the respective office to which you were elected. May integrity, dedication, and a cooperative spirit mark your year of service. Support your fellow officers and set high standards of leadership for all chapter members. Current officers, please escort the newly elected officers to their stations.

Closing Ceremonies

President (Caleb Svoboda):Madam Secretary, do you have a record of any further business which should be transacted at this time?

Secretary(Karley Kenney): I have a few announcements. Pictures will be taken immediately following closing ceremonies on stage; all members who received awards are asked to stay for pictures. Thank you to all of you for coming out tonight. We would appreciate if all members help clean up the lunchroom. Again, thank you for coming, and have a safe trip home.

President(Caleb Svoboda): Does any member know of any other new or unfinished business which should properly come before this meeting? Seeing none, we are about to adjourn this meeting of the Annual Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Banquet. As we mingle with others, let us be diligent in labor, just in our dealings, courteous to everyone, and, above all, honest and fair in the game of life. Fellow members and guests, please join me in a salute to our flag. (Three taps)

UNISON: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

President(Caleb Svoboda): I now declare this meeting adjourned. (One tap) Members, please stay for pictures. Everyone else, I thank you all for coming, and have a safe journey home!