FFA banquet recognizes students’ success

Published 11:15 pm Wednesday, March 5, 2014

The Colquitt County FFA carried out one of its greatest traditions on Feb. 27, by honoring members for their accomplishments at the chapter’s 84th annual parent-member banquet. In addition, during National FFA Week over half a million FFA members across the nation — and 898 Colquitt County FFA members — celebrated the national theme “Ignite.”

Throughout the past year students have competed in various projects, including Agricultural Mechanics, Horticulture, Home Gardening, Crop Production, Record Keeping, Livestock Production, Cotton Production, Leadership, and the President’s award. Furthermore, their work was recorded and scored. Students were also recognized for participation and success in local, state, and national events. As a result, winners were recognized with a scholarship to attend the National FFA Convention in Louisville, Ky.

Banquet highlights

Jim Waldrop won the Agricultural Mechanics contest sponsored by Billy Jacks Hardware. The event tests the students’ knowledge of woodworking, electrical wiring, and other mechanical areas. The second place winner was Jaimee Burt and the third place winner was Daryl Williamson.

The Home Gardening Contest was won by Jim Waldrop. Students have to grow and keep records on a 20-by-20 garden to compete in the contest. Nita Burkett placed second, Briane Parrish placed third and Sara Jenkins placed fourth. This contest was sponsored by Farmers Seed Company.

Anna Parker took the Crop Production Contest. Students participating in the contest must produce one or more agronomic crops and keep records on their projects. Daryl Williamson placed second. This award was sponsored Whittington Insurance.  

Jaimee Burt won first place in the Home Improvement Contest. This award is presented to the student that has completed the best project related to improving their surroundings. The contest was sponsored by Baell Mercantile Co. Daryl Williamson placed second and Briane Parrish placed third.

Briane Parrish won the Record Keeping Contest sponsored by Carlton Insurance Co. Students participating in this contest must keep an accurate, detailed accounting of their agricultural enterprises. Jim Waldrop placed second and Jaimee Burt placed third.

The Livestock Award was taken by Jim Waldrop. The senior FFA member exhibited lambs, goats and pigs at local, state, and national shows. This contest is sponsored by Moultrie Livestock. Placing second was Jaimee Burt and placing third was Briane Parrish.

Brennin Davis was the winner of the Horticulture Award. Students participating in this contest must demonstrate their horticulture accomplishments throughout their FFA careers. In second place was Jim Waldrop and in third place was Briane Parrish.

Winning the Cotton Production award was Daryl Williamson. To compete in the contest students must plant and produce his/her own crop of cotton.

Jim Waldrop was awarded the President’s Award, for his leadership over the high school FFA chapter this past year. This award was sponsored by Funston Gin Co.

Jaimee Burt took first for the Leadership award. To compete in this contest students had to fill out an application that covered all leadership opportunities the students took advantage of from the beginning of their FFA careers. The award was presented to the student with the most leadership points. Second place went to Briane Parrish and third was awarded to Elizabeth Beacham.

These top chapter awards went to agriculture students who through the years; have been a cut above their competitors.

 Also, this year an Advisors Award was given, which went to Matt Howell. He accompanied the students to the 2012 FFA National Convention in Louisville. This award is sponsored by DeMott Tractor Co.

Academic Recognition was give to Katie Russell, who won a $250 Scholarship from Moultrie Tire, for having the highest grade point average for the entire Colquitt County FFA Senior Class.

Willie J. Williams, C.A. Gray Middle, and C.A. Gray Junior High school chapters also gave awards to outstanding members. C.A Gray Junior High awarded Lane Goodroe the Greenhand Award. Lane has been involved in every aspect of the FFA from exhibiting livestock projects, to being a chapter officer, to competing in career development events. C.A. Gray Middle School Chapter gave an outstanding FFA member the Star Discovery Degree, this student was Madison Weeks. Also this year Willie J. Williams Middle School awarded many outstanding students by giving them their Discovery Degrees.

Jim Waldrop was named the chapter’s Star Agribuisnessman. He has competed in many FFA Career Development Events, but has especially excelled in the area of business in his landscaping business.

Jaimee Burt was named the chapter’s Star Farmer for her outstanding Supervised Agricultural Experience projects. Already receiving the Leadership and Home Improvemnet Awards, this was an additional great accomplishment.

Briane Parrish was named the Chapter’s Star in Ag Placement. This award was bestowed upon her because she excels in the agricultural workplace.

Katie Russell was named the Chapter’s Star in Agriscience. This award is bestowed on the member who has excelled in agriscience research.

Elizabeth Rose Horne was named the chapters Outstanding FFA Member because of her service to her organization, school, and community.

Additionally, all FFA members that participated in any event above the chapter level were honored and given certificates for their participation.

Rodney Traylor was presented Honorary Membership in the Colquitt County FFA for his support over the years. Traylor and Moultrie Tire Pros have been a long-time sponsor of the Colquitt County Academic Scholar Award. Also, his participation with livestock shows, SAE project financial support, and so much more have been great contributions to the success of Colquitt County’s FFA Chapter.