Friday, May 23, 2025
The Beloit FFA held its Chapter Banquet on Sunday, April 27, with approximately 172 members and guest attending.
Beloit Jr/Sr High School agriculture education instructor and advisor, Arika Haresnape, led the students in the program, along with 2024-25 Chapter officers: president, Gracie Hicks; vice president, Kayley McGuire; secretary, Ella Manning; treasurer, Colbi Stroede; reporter, Hattie Anderson; sentinel, Ally Otto, and advisor, Christine Elam.
Guest speaker, state FFA Vice President Haley Hines, talked about trying something new and how she failed in a big way, and was then afraid to try something new because of the fear of possibly failing.
“I remember when volleyball tryouts came up one year and I really felt like with the negative self-talk at practices and personal comparison issues, it was something I just didn’t want to do anymore,” said Hines. “So, I wanted to try something new, with tennis. I missed ball after ball, and with my racket in my hand, I received a message saying I had made the team. The journey was far from perfect, but I stepped outside of my comfort zone.”
“Possibilities will always be there, so just try,” encouraged Hines. “With the FFA creed, I found other areas to try and say yes to. Okay, a three letter word, ‘YES,’ opportunities and perseverance, look for it and say YES.”
Discovery Degrees:
Kemper Adams, Madison Beck, Tyler Binder, Taelyn Bockover, Hunter File, Zowie Fraser, Vincent Gilmore, Kasey Green, Wesley Gronewoller, Whitley Gronewoller, Ely Hauck, Lilly Hayden, Korbin Hubert, Truitt King, Hunter Koenig, Toryn Krier, Emmery Manning, Jacob Prochaska, Steele Pruitt, Jaiden Salas, Tate Schwerman, Makenzie Smith, Declan Thompson, Clayton Underwood, Corbyn West.
Greenhand Degrees:
Colton Adolph, Brock Baxa, Allison Beisner, Reiken Bowles, Trace Conn, Patience Doyle, Corban Finney, Jerusalen Forrest-Ortiz, Elizabeth Garner, Marshall Green, Amelia Hager, Spencer Hauck, Chase Heizer, Annestyn Hicks, Edward Horinek, Kohler Isbell, Carter Jermark, Jace Jones, Parker Lund, Jamisen Mears, John Mick, Lyli Noah, Travis Peters, Kayl Pfantz, Boede Porter, Gunner Pruitt, Addison Quayle, Robert Redick, Kathryn Ryser, Tripp Stillwell, Colbi Troede, Henry Tice, Vanessa Underswood, Isaac Wiles, George Zimmerman.
Chapter Degrees:
Jesus Cabrera, Joel Fuller, Easton Gruwell, Cooper Herrman, Lane Jones, Kimberly Kadel, John Lomax, Kayley McGuire, Will Newlin, Jax Nonamaker, Bently Pruitt, Joel Rexroat, McKenna Shipp, Savannah Stanley, Landon Tonne, Jakobi Tyson, Sawyer Zimmer.
A state FFA Chapter degree went to Gracie Hicks.
The American Degree was presented to Riley Croisant and Sophia Easter.
The Honorary Chapter Degree member plaque was presented to Will Johnson.
Outstanding members named were:
Emmery Manning, Annestyn Hicks, Kayley McGuire, Kade Pearson, Gracie Hicks.
A Star Ag Placement award went to Savannah Stanley.
Lane Jones was presented with the Star in Livestock Production.
The Alex Studer Ag Mechanics Award was presented to Cole Jones. He also was awarded with the Star Farmer award.
Senior Recognition included:
Hattie Anderson, Gracie Hicks, Eli Johnson, Brooks Jones, Cole Jones, Ben Kircher, Alex Lallen, Kaden Lomax, Wyatt McMillan, Brenton Stanley, Colton Walters, Gatley Wichyoah.
Beloit FFA Alumni Scholarships were presented by FFA alumni member Kelly McGuire, to Ella Manning for $1,000; Gracie Hicks for $750 and to Cole Jones for $500.
Cole Jones was also awarded the Dwayne Duane Sell Memorial Scholarship of $500, presented by Stuart Porter, Duane Sell's son-in-law.
A senior officers’ retiring ceremony took place as they received several hugs during the process.
The officers in return left with remarks, thanking their families and community for their support.
The installation of the new officers ended the program.
Next year's officers will be: president—Kayley McGuire; vice president—Colbi Stroede; treasurer—Tripp Stillwell; reporter—Jesus Cabrera; sentinel—Kade Pearson; secretary—Ally Otte; historian—Kimberlyn Kadel; student advisor—Trace Conn.
A meal and labor auction were held, with the auctioning of students that would take on an eight-hour day of labor for those who won the bids. A total of $4,005 was made from the auction, with FFA alumni member Brandt Bolte announcing, and Kyle Kopsa helping. The FFA also received a $300 donation, for a total of $4,305.
