Annual FFA Banquet celebrates accomplishments

By Editor | May 7, 2025 |

Photo by Shari Harris
Greenhand Degrees were received by this group of FFA members: from left, front: James Hawkins, Seyrena Carter, Kenzie Ferguson, Cherrysh Bryant, Cheyenne Mason, Gage Mesger, Wayne Robbins, Taylor Royal and Destiny Wood; back: Jeffrey Alkire, Ben Buckner, Keegan Clayton, Brandon Jackson, Jerry Hofstetter, Brayden Jackson, Phoenix Maxey, Colby Satterfield, Landyn Thompson and Dani Young (also named Star Greenhand).

The Licking FFA Chapter held their 93rd Annual FFA Chapter Banquet on Friday at the Sherman Hill Field House. Licking Chapter President Jd Fox and the officers of the chapter led the ceremony.

After a welcome by Fox, he and Treasurer Ashlee Umfleet performed the National Anthem. Chaplain Cameron Teems gave the invocation before members and families enjoyed a delicious meal.

Destiny Wood was this year’s creed speaker. After the creed, this year’s Greenhand FFA Degrees were awarded. This year’s greenhands are: Jeffrey Alkire, Cherrysh Bryant, Ben Buckner, Seyrena Carter, Keegan Clayton, Kenzie Ferguson, James Hawkins, Jerry Hofstetter, Brandon Jackson, Brayden Jackson, Delilah James, Cheyenne Mason, Daniel Matlock, Phoenix Maxey, Gage Mesger, Ryder Riveland, Wayne Robbins, Taylor Royal, Colby Satterfield, Landyn Thompson, Destiny Wood and Dani Young. Dani Young was named Star Greenhand.

Photos by Shari Harris

Chapter Degrees were earned by Blake Ammons, David Bell, Brandon Blake, Elisabeth Bonine, Tatum Burgdorf, Vannessa Clark, Allie Cline, Branson Evans, Brady Ferguson, Taylor Gale, Josephine (Josie) Gifford, Adam Hagler, April Hamilton, Wesley Hardy, Herbie Henson, Robbie James, Araya Manson, Nick Martin, Angelina McGuire, Nolee Miller, Lena Parrish, Hannah Payne, Mason Phegley, Kris Radford, Lydia Robertson, Joshua Rotherham, Jacob Smith and Uriah Smith.

Photos by Shari Harris

This year’s Star Chapter Farmer was Nolee Miller, Star Chapter Placement was Josie Gifford, and Star Chapter Agribusiness was Adam Hagler.

Seyrena Carter, Wesley Hardy, Ashlee Umfleet and Jd Fox were recognized as Outstanding Members.

Leadership awards were presented to Wesley Hardy, Dani Young, Jd Fox, Ashlee Umfleet, Seyrena Carter, Destiny Wood, James Hawkins, Angel McGuire, Jeffrey Alkire, Wayne Robbins, Nolee Miller and Josie Gifford.

Scholarship awards were earned by Wayne Robbins, Delilah James, Adam Morgan, Kenzie Ferguson, Josie Gifford, Kris Radford, Jerry Hofstetter, Cheyenne Mason, Jeffrey Alkire, Herbie Henson, Ashlee Umfleet and Ben Buckner.

Service Awards were presented to James Hawkins, Jd Fox, Ashlee Umfleet, Dani Young, Michael Lyons, Vannessa Clark, Zac Burch, Destiny Wood, Josie Gifford, Seyrena Carter, Jeffrey Alkire and David Bell.

Numerous FFA members earned proficiency awards this year. Honorary Chapter Degrees were given to FFA Advisor Rae Kirkwood and Carolyn Moncrief.

Megan Rodgers was presented with her American Degree.

Photos by Shari Harris

The Officer Team presented gifts of appreciation to Advisor Rae Kirkwood, and senior FFA Officers received matching t-shirts.

Near the end of the meeting, outgoing officers turned over the responsibilities of their positions to the 2025-2026 Officer Team. President Jd Fox surrendered the gavel to new President Josie Gifford. The vice presidency changed from Josie Gifford to Josh Rotherham. Angel McGuire will return as Secretary. Outgoing Treasurer Ashlee Umfleet turned her post over to Jeffery Alkire. The new Reporter and Co Reporter will be Lena Parrish and Destiny Wood. Sentinel changed hands from Zac Burch to Wesley Hardy, with Assistant Sentinel Taylor Royal. Chaplin Cameron Teems turned over his responsibilities to Wayne Robbins. The new Parliamentarian will be Hannah Payne. Dani Young will be the new Historian.

The retirement of jackets by FFA seniors was a touching tribute to former advisor Van Kirkwood, who instructed the seniors in their freshman year and who passed away this school year. Seniors retired their jackets on the floor in front of a photograph of Mr. Kirkwood.

Advisor Rae Kirkwood will be leaving at the end of this school year, but a large and capable officer team remains that is ready to face the future.