The annual Algona FFA Banquet was held on Tuesday, March 21. The awards were presented in the Wilcox Performing Art Center. The ceremony included recognition of several degrees, events throughout the year, scholarship awards, FFA officers, and more!
The 25 Greenhand recipients this year include: Breckin Borchardt, Evan Cantu, Braxton Dahlhauser, Austin Denker, Espin Faber, Morgan Fraker, Michael Gazafy, Gavin Goche, Abbi Gorham, Aidan Hovey, Jonas Kiel, Brody Ludwig, Nathan Merron, Barrett Morgan, Avah Murphy, Foster Myhre, Max Nevitt, Blake Nisi, Aidan Riggert, Austin Ringe, Sam Schutjer, Tate Stundahl, Tyson VanDewalle, Ben Weig, and Thomas Zabka.
The 23 recipients of the Chapter degree were: Sam Bohan, Caleb Bormann, Kayla Buscher, Porter Divis, Chris Dodds, Jensen Eischen, MaKayla Erpelding, Gretchen Gorham, Cody Harms, Treyton Johnson, Isaac Kruse, Abby Kuper, Avah Merryman, Kolby Preuschl, Kara Rotert, Drew Schutjer, Carson Skow, Audrey Snider, Ace Studer, Peyton Sulentic, Landon Thompson, Ellie Vaske, and Paige Vileta.
Carlee Allen, Beth Anderson, Lauren Anderson, Ian Fehr, Morgan Kelly, Reid Louwagie, Jacob Shutter, and Jaden Spear are the eight members who will be receiving their Iowa Degrees at the State Convention.
Seniors who received the Academic Achievement Award are: Beth Anderson, Lauren Anderson, Allison Casey, Aidan Morris, Lilly Vaske, and Jacob Zabka.
Recipients for the Underclassman Alumni Scholarships were: Braxton Dahlhauser, freshman; Kara Rotert and Chris Dodds, sophomores; and Reid Louwagie, junior.
Seniors who received the alumni scholarships were: Beth Anderson, Lauren Anderson, Allison Casey, Maddy Kahler, Aidan Morris, Jaden Spear, and Lilly Vaske.
The chapter gave out many other awards and scholarships throughout the program.
At the end of the banquet, the new officer team was announced. The 2023-2024 president is Reid Louwagie, the vice president is Morgan Kelly, secretary is Logan Lentz, treasurer is Carlee Allen, reporter is Jacob Shutter, sentinel is Ian Fehr, and student advisor is Ace Studer.
Following the presentation of awards and installation of new members, they had a meal and alumni auction in the AHS commons. Proceeds from the auction go back to alumni scholarships given out to AHS graduates. Mrs. Becker, the FFA advisor, states, “The FFA banquet is an excellent opportunity to recognize the FFA members’ accomplishments, thank community members who helped us during the year, and install the new officer team.”