Shown in front from left are Tegan Ross, Abbi Harris, Lucas Wilkinson, Libby Haab and Josie Melton. Back row: Emerson Krull, David Anderson, Cameron Zimmerman, Wyatt Schafer and Reagan Scott. Photo provided.

News Release

SYRACUSE — The 2023 Wawasee FFA Awards Banquet was held Thursday evening, April 20, at Wawasee High School, with nearly 250 members, parents and guests in attendance.

The Black Tie Catering prepared the meal, with Maple Leaf Farms providing the entrees.

The 2022-2023 Wawasee FFA chapter officers presided over the meeting, introducing special guests and presenting awards. The officers are President Reagan Scott; Vice President Lucas Wilkinson; Secretary Kaden Weimer; Treasurer Keira Lortie; and Reporter Keira Sharp.

The chapter recognized corporate and award sponsors in a special slide show. Corporate and award sponsors were Ag Cares Committee, Bart’s Water Sports, Arlen and Shirley Bobeck, Sherm Bryant, Crestview Farms, Clayton Garden Center, Crop Fertility Specialists, Edd’s Supplies Inc., Mark and Denise Grady, Greenmark Equipment, Jackson Oil & Solvents, Knights of Columbus and Maple Leaf Farms.

Also, Northern Indiana Johnnie Poppers, Doug and Doreen Ruch, Joe and Myra Sands, Black Walnut Farms: Dr. Gervas and Ann Schafer and Loretta Schafer, Schlipf Precision Ag, Sonja Easterday Trust Fund, T-N-T Performance Machine Shop, Tom Farms LLC and Randy and Eldonna Warren.

The sponsors support the organization’s award and scholarship fund, national activities fund and college credits fund.

Adults recognized for serving as a coach to a career or leadership development event this year were Brad Clayton, Jewel Wise and Kelly Heckaman. Certificates of appreciation were given to Karena Wilkinson, Chad Tom, Jay and Regina Lortie, Christi Haman, Jody and Richard Melton and Kristine Harris. The honorary chapter FFA degree was presented to J.R. and Renee Weimer-Snavley.

The distinguished service award is presented to individuals in the community who have continually demonstrated their support and encouragement to the FFA. Mr. and Mrs. Russell Anderson received this award for their many years of support to the Wawasee agriculture program.

A slide show presentation of member’s projects and activities preceded the member awards presentation. Qualifying first- and second-year members also received their Greenhand and chapter degree pins, respectively.

Reagan Scott was also recognized for earning her Hoosier (state) FFA degree; she will receive the award at the Indiana FFA State Convention in June. Students who participated in state career development events were awarded with their state pins.

Additional member award winner resumes were read by Jacob Templin, the 2023 Wawasee FFA alumni honoree. The 2023 chapter awards were presented to: Freshman Leadership Award, Emerson Krull; Sophomore Leadership Award, Abbi Harris; Junior Leadership Award, Libby Haab; Advisor’s Award, Josie Melton; Blue and Gold Award, Lucas Wilkinson; and Star Greenhand, Wyatt Schafer.

Also, Star in Agribusiness, Jared Beer; Star Farmer, David Anderson; Star in Ag Placement, Reagan Scott; Chad Beer Memorial Scholarship, David Anderson; Agriculture Education Scholarship, Tegan Ross; and Ray E. Darr Memorial Scholarship, Cameron Zimmerman.

The banquet concluded with the installation of the 2023-2024 chapter officers: President Lucas Wilkinson; Vice President Libby Haab; Secretary Emerson Krull; Treasurer Emma Jackson; Reporter Josie Melton; Sentinel Coltin Bucher; and student Advisor Jazlyn Weimer.

Shown in front from left are JR and Renee Weimer-Snavely, Karena Wilkinson and Jay and Regina Lortie. Back row: Mary and Russell Anderson and Kristine Harris. Photo provided.