Awards given at annual FFA Banquet

By Editor | May 6, 2026 |

Photo by Shari Harris
Receiving Chapter Degrees at the FFA Banquet were, from left, front: Wayne Robbins, Seyrena Carter and Taylor Royal; back row: Colby Satterfield, Zachary Barker, Jeffrey Alkire and Brandon Jackson.

Photo by Shari Harris
Greenhand Degrees were given to, from left, front: Lillian Wilson, Avery Case, Faith Sheler, Layney Gifford, Alexis Curtis, Riley Hoggatt Falwell and Cheyenne McDaniel; back row: Cooper Roberts, Gracie Rector, Trinity Mohrman, Lanie Honigsberg, Catherine Jackson, Gunner Parrish, Avery Buckner (Star Greenhand) and Tynlee Hey.

The 2026 Licking FFA Chapter Banquet was held Friday, May 1, at the Sherman Hill Fieldhouse. The ceremony was led by the 2025-26 Chapter Officers, and at the end of the evening, the 2026-27 Chapter Officers were inducted.

After the opening ceremony, a dinner was served to members, their families and guests. Then the ceremony proceeded, with awards given out to many of the members assembled.

Students earning Greenhand Degrees this year included: Lucas Bates, John Bonebrake, Ava Breeden, Sophie Breeden, Avery Buckner, Trinity Buell Prugh, Avery Case, Alexis Curtis, Emily Deluna, Benton Frederich, Layney Gifford, Lunden Gilchrist, Tynlee Hey, Riley Hoggatt Falwell, Lanie Honigsberg, Catherine Jackson, Grace Johnson, Adriana Jones, Layne Kaut, Cheyenne McDaniel, Trinity Mohrman, Keirum O’Daniel, Willow O’Daniel, Gunner Parrish, Gracie Rector, Cooper Roberts, Conor Saunders, Faith Sheler, Rain Skouby, Colten Stroup-Moore, McKayla Teems and Lillian Wilson.

Eighteen students earned Chapter Degrees, including: Jeffrey Alkire, Zach Barker, Cherrysh Bryant, Ben Buckner, Seyrena Carter, Keegan Clayton, Jerry Hofstetter, Brandon Jackson, Brayden Jackson, Delilah James, Cheyenne Mason, Daniel Matlock, Phoenix Maxey, Gage Mesger, Wayne Robbins, Taylor Royal, Colby Satterfield and Dani Young.

Area Degree recipients were Vannessa Clark, Josephine Gifford, Wesley Hardy and Hannah Payne.

Ten students received FFA Scholarship awards, including: Avery Buckner, Seyrena Carter, Avery Case, Josephine Gifford, Layney Gifford, Tynlee Hey, Cheyenne Mason, Adam Morgan, Wayne Robbins and Lillian Wilson.

FFA Leadership Awards were earned by Sophie Breeden, Avery Buckner, Josephine Gifford, Layney Gifford, Tynlee Hey, Angelina McGuire, Lena Parrish, Hannah Payne, Wayne Robbins and Dani Young.

Those receiving FFA Service Awards were Jeffrey Alkire, Josephine Gifford, Layney Gifford, Wesley Hardy, Riley Hoggatt Falwell, Trinity Mohrman, Lena Parrish, Hannah Payne, Wayne Robbins and Dani Young.

FFA Advisor Emily Hance introduced CDE Team members who were present. This year’s Dairy Foods Team consisted of Josephine Gifford, Angelina McGuire and Lena Parrish. The Livestock Team, with members Avery Buckner, Hannah Payne, Wayne Robbins and Jerry Hofstetter (not present) was recognized for placing second in the area contest and seventh in the district contest. The Poultry Team was Sophie Breeden, Tynlee Hey and Lillian Wilson.

Leadership activities were recognized, including Creed Speaking – Layney Gifford; Fall Public Speaking – Avery Buckner; State Choir – Josephine Gifford; and Courtesy Corps (at the State Conference) – Avery Buckner, Angelina McGuire, Hannah Payne and Wayne Robbins.

Chapter Proficiency Awards, based on students’ SAEs (Supervised Agricultural Experiences), were earned as follows:

• Wayne Robbins – Agricultural Processing, Specialty Crop

• Cooper Roberts – Agricultural Sales, Outdoor Recreation

• Josephine Gifford – Beef Production

• Lanie Honigsberg – Diversified Livestock Production

• Avery Buckner – Equine Science

• Lucas Bates – Goat Production

• Vannessa Clark – Landscape Management

• Lillian Wilson – Poultry Production

• Lena Parrish – Small Animal Production and Care

• Swine Production – Faith Sheler

Three Star Awards winners were recognized, highlighting their hard work throughout the year. The Star Greenhand Award went to Avery Buckner. Wayne Robbins earned the Star Farmer Award. Josephine Gifford received the Star in Ag Placement Award.

Ushers escorted two members of the community to the stage for the Honorary Chapter Degree ceremony. Megan Beaver and Telena Haneline were this year’s recipients of the honorary degrees.

Three members of the Licking FFA Chapter are seniors. Hannah Payne was present at the banquet and was recognized. Other seniors were Herbie Henson and Adam Morgan.

The final business of the evening was installing the officers for next year. Josephine Gifford will remain in the role of president. Josh Rotherham will remain in the role of vice president, but will be joined by a second vice president, Wayne Robbins (who was chaplain this year). The new secretary will be Layney Gifford, with current secretary Angelina McGuire assuming the duties of treasurer. Lena Parrish will remain in the office of reporter, but will be joined by Faith Sheler as co-reporter. Sentinel Wesley Hardy will be the new chaplain, and Riley Hoggatt Falwell will take his place as the new sentinel. Avery Buckner will be the new parliamentarian, taking over for senior Hannah Payne. Vannessa Clark will be the new historian, a post held by Dani Young this year.

The evening highlighted the growth and accomplishments of these youth throughout the school year. In addition, the students displayed their leadership skills throughout the evening as they led the ceremony. Congratulations to the Licking FFA Chapter members for all you’ve accomplished this year!