BY TRACY LEE TATE
Times Editor
LAKE BUTLER — The 2022 FFA Awards Banquet was held at the Union County High School Auditorium on May 12, 2022 with many awards and recognitions given and achievements recognized. There were 400 FFA members present at the event
The event began after the dinner held in the UCHS Cafeteria, served by Superintendent of Schools Mike Ripplinger and members of the Union County School Board. The crowd of parents, students and well-wishers then proceeded to the auditorium for the awards ceremony. Entertainment was provided, both prior to and at breaks in the event, by musician and singer Eli Rogers, who sang country music, both mainstream and is own original songs.
The UCHS JROTC’s Color Guard provided the presentation of colors, after which Emma Jeffers sang the National Anthem. Jeffers also joined Rogers in presenting musical breaks during the program.
FFA Senior Chapter officers conducted the opening ceremony, with Senior Chapter President Jace Bielling taking the podium to welcome the crowd, introduce the guests and note some special recognitions. Recognized as an honorary member, by the LBMS Junior Chapter officers, was Kristi McCallister. Chris Stalnaker (of W.W. Gay), Johnny Welch and the Union County Livestock Association Board of Directors were then presented with Distinguished Service award Plaques. Retired Union County Forester Jay Tucker was presented with the Blue and Gold Award and Avery Roberts was inducted into the Union County FFA Hall of Fame.
The first member awards of the evening were the degree presentations.
Students who earned and were awarded with the Discovery Degree pins were: Kristen Balkin-Gainey, Kimberlynn Beasley, Kendyl Brannen, Clayton Cason, Kierston Clemons, Naomi Coker, Austin Douglas, Case Elixson, Aubree Gay, Grace Hobson, Codi Huntley, Bella Johns, Landon Jones, Alecxis Lukatz, Parker Parrish, Vanessa Raymond, Jolena Rogers, Jacob Scott, Bayley Staier, Brian Starling, Kayla Thomas, Bailey Varnes, Eva Whitehead, Abigail Williams, Brayden Williams, Malia Williams, Graysen Willis and Miley Wilson.
Students who earned and were awarded with Greenhand pins (sponsored by Union County Farm Bureau) were:
Darby Andrews, Nolan Beighley, Rani Bell, Jena Bielling, Leah Brannen, Regan Broome, Beth Crawford, Colby Dukes, Kutter Durrance, Makenzie Flick, Brooke Goldie, Joseph Harris, Monica Lloyd, Savannah Miller, Jaylynn Moates, Grace Newsom, Kaycee Parks, Cayden Rayburn, Michael-Ann Smith, Ryley Suggs, Celeste Thomas, Ava Walker, Chainberlin Watts, Noah Williams, Bo Wilson, Tyson Woodland and Addison Worrell.
Students who earned and were awarded with the FFA Chapter Degree pins (sponsored by Shatto Heating and Air) were: Cailynn Boggs, Sydney Box, Tanner Connell, Ella Dicks, Grant Dicks, Colby Dukes, Lyndee Griffis, Jordan Hendricks, Bobbie Jo Montford, Brailyn Rose, Kody Stalnaker and Celeste Thomas.
Next up were the presentation of Judging Team pins. Students earning these pins were: Proficiency Awards – Will Harden, Caleb Ripplinger and Laura Park received their national pins and each went on to earn a bronze ranking at the national level; Delaney Sweat received her Gold State Champion pin for employability skills and went on the earn a gold ranking at Nationals, placing 8th overall; the Conduct of Chapter Meeting team won their second state championship and received their gold state champion pins, they competed at Nationals and were named Reserve National Champions. Team members included: Perry Johnson, Kindall Johnson, Madison Johnson, Ella Dicks, Colby Dukes, Hannah Sherrod and Reagan Robinson. Dukes, Madison Johnson and Robinson were recognized for perfect exam scores and Robinson was also named the Outstanding Top Team Member in the Nation.
The Senior Chapter Parliamentary Procedure team won the district competition this year, qualifying them for competition at the state convention in June. Team members are: Jace Bielling, Reagan Robinson, Tanner Connell, Eli Hendricks, Ella Dicks, Perry Johnson and Joseph Harris. The Middle School Parliamentary Procedure team also won the district contest. Team members are: Kendyl Brannen, Carsyn Dukes, Peyton Kilgore, Cane Reddish, Hayden Robinson, Bayley Staier, Bailey Varnes and Maci Wilson. This team will also be competing at state this coming June. The Parliamentary Procedure awards were sponsored by Betsy Whitehead.
The middle school Opening and Closing Ceremonies team placed second in district competition. Team members were: Jamie Lynn Courson, Carsyn Dukes, Shayna Durrance, Peyton Kilgore, Hayden Robinson, Bayley Staier, Macie Wilson and Addison Wright.
The Agriculture Education contest was held at the University of Florida in December, with Ciara Woodall representing the chapter and placing fourth in the event.
The Forestry Team placed first in District Competition and third at State. Team members include: Eli Hendricks, Jace Bielling, Madison Johnson, Perry Johnson, Laura Park, Michael Young, Tanner Connell and Hannah Sherrod.
The Middle School Tool Identification team competed at state. Members of the team are: Shayna Durrance, Peyton Kilgore, Jackson Thames, Malia Williams and Macie Wilson.
The Middle School Poultry Team includes: Peyton Kilgore, Carsyn Dukes, Bayley Staier and Bailey Varnes.
The Tractor Driving contest was held in February with Will Harden representing the chapter and placing fourth at the state event.
The Meats Evaluation team qualified for state in February and placed fifth at state. Team members are: Madison Johnson, Perry Johnson, Jace Beiling, Maegan Beatty, Eli Hendricks, Jackson Crook and Will Harden.
The Senior Conduct of Chapter Meetings team members are: Darby Andrews, Nolan Beighley, Kutter Durrance, Grace Newsom, Noah Williams, Tucker Williams and Adrienne Wolfe. The Middle School team consists of Kristen Balkin-Gainey, Kendyl Brannen, Carsyn Dukes, Grace Hobson, Bella Johns, Peyton Kilgore, Kayla Thomas, Bailey Varnes, Macie Wilson and Addison Wright.
The Middle School Chapter competed in Ornamental Horticulture competition with the following results: Jamie Lynn Courson placed second at the district contest in the area of Consumer Use; Carsyn Dukes won the District contest and place fifth in the state in the area of marketing; Kierston Clemons and Abigail Williams won the District contest in the area of Artistic Arrangement and Case Denson won the District Contest in the area if Landscaping.
The Agricultural Communications team qualified for state in a preliminary round and went on to place second in the state. Team members are: Maegan Beatty, Laura Park, Madison Johnson, Kindall Johnson, Perry Johnson, Ciara Woodall and Tucker Williams. Park was the third high individual.
The Ag Issues team will compete at state in June. Team members include: Laura Park, Perry Johnson, Maegan Beatty, Hannah Sherrod, Madison Johnson, Rylie Parrish, Tanner Connell, Abigayle Gainey, Jordan Hendricks and Cailynn Boggs.
The Senior Poultry team won its first state championship in February. Team members (with their ranking at state competition) are: Reagan Robinson (sixth high individual), Meagan Beatty (fourth high individual), Laura Park (second high individual), Perry Johnson (third high individual), Kyla Boney, Jackson Crook and Darby Andrews. This team will be competing at the Nation Convention in October.
Proficiency Award medallions, sponsored by Farm Credit of North Florida, were given to the following members: Maegan Beatty (feeder swine and ag communications – state finalist), Jace Bielling (forage production), Jackson Crook (agriscience research and maintenance – state finalist), Will Hardin (ag mechanics: repair and maintenance – state finalist), Eli Hendricks (turfgrass management – state finalist), Perry Johnson (veterinary science), Peyton Kilgore (feeder swine), Laura Park (ag education and feeder swine), Reagan Robinson (feeder swine), Ciara Woodall (ag education) and Addison Wright (beef production placement and beef production entrepreneurship).
Sponsors for the Workhorse Award plaques were: Badcock Home Furnishings and More, Clay Electric and Spires IGA Grocery. Sponsors for the Workhorse cash awards were: Union Power, Allen Parrish, Hillandale, North Florida Custom Meats, Ashlyn Woodington, the Croft family, Brian Franzluebbers, Jared Beilling, Daryl Brewer, Avery Roberts, Andrea Andrews Szabo, Adam Burgess, Clay Electric, Community State Bank, Billy and Pam Woodington, Amanda James, Clint Williams, Ashley O’Steen, Parrish Nursing Service Inc., Old Providence Farms (Shawn and Emily Newsom), Kyle and Taylor Parrish, Abi Ripplinger and Nutrition Hideaway.
Members receiving the Workhorse award were: Natalie Waters, Ciara Woodall, Michael Young, Logan Richards, Eli Hendricks, Will Harden, Daniel Woods, Noah Williams, Cole Huntley, Jace Bielling, Karli Jenkins, Cailynn Boggs, Tanner Connell, Caleb Ripplinger, Tahj Merriex, Emma Jeffers, Perry Johnson, Laura Park, Maegan Beatty, Madison Johnson, Reagan Johnson, Kindall Johnson, Hannah Sherrod, Jackson Crook, Ella Dicks, Peyton Kilgore, Bailey Varnes, Macie Wilson, Case Denson, Carsyn Dukes and Shayna Durrance.
Top sellers from the 2021 Poinsettia Sale were: First Place, Peyton Kilgore – 238; Second Place, Anna Ward – 220; Third Place, Kindall Johnson – 150; Fourth Place, Bobbie Jo Montford – 134 and Fifth Place, Reagan Robinson – 133.
Outstanding middle school members and the sponsor from which they received a check were: Sixth grade – Jamie Lynn Courson, the Bishop family: Seventh grade – Bayley Staier, Badcock; Eighth grade – Peyton Kilgore, TL Squared Builders. Peyton Kilgore won the Elite Eighth Grader award, receiving a check from Allen and Carolyn Parrish.
The Outstanding Senior Members awards and the sponsors were: Ninth grade – Kutter Durrance, Sheriff Brad Whitehead; Tenth grade – Cailynn Boggs, Zeb and Georgie Howard; Eleventh grade – Perry Johnson, Zeb and Georgie Howard; and Twelfth grade – Laura Park, Zeb and Georgie Howard.
The Star Discovery Award plaque was sponsored by Emerson Nursey and Rental Plants and the cash award by Kyle and Taylor Parrish. The winner was Addisyn Wright.
The Star Greenhand Award was sponsored by Biellings Tire and Emerson Nursery and Rental Plants and awarded to Tanner Connell.
Pritchett Trucking and Emerson Nursery and Rental Plants sponsored the Star Chapter Farmer Award that was won by Perry Johnson.
The Star Agricultural Placement Award was sponsored by Roberts Land and Timber, Austin Dukes and Emerson Nursery and Rental Plants and won by Will Harden and Jace Bielling.
The Star Agribusiness Award was sponsored by The Lavender House and Emerson Nursery and Rental Plants and was won by Eli Hendricks.
The Star Agriscience Award was sponsored by the Michael Dukes family and Emerson Nursery and Rental Plants and was awarded to Jackson Crook.
The Chapter Scholarships for the middle school chapter and the sponsor are: Peyton Kilgore, Pritchett Trucking; Macie Wilson, Terra Johnson and Shayna Durrance, Nutrition Hideaway. The high school chapter scholarship winners, along with their sponsor, were: Ciara Woodall, Clay Electric; Maegan Beatty, the Bishop family and Laura Park, Nutrition Hideaway.
Middle School Chapter Leadership awards went to Peyton Kilgore, Paul and Anisha Waters of AFD; Carsyn Dukes, Austin Thomas and Shayna Durrance, Josh Thomas.
The Senior Chapter Leadership Awards went to Madison Johnson, Caleb Williams; Maegan Beatty, Becky Raulerson; Laura Park, Carlton Faulk and Perry Johnson, Jesse Bielling.
The winners of the Senior Emblem Awards (an FFA letter) were: Maegan Beatty, Jace Bielling, Kyla Boney, Jackson Crook, Lily French, Will Harden, Eli Hendricks, Laura Park, Anna Ward, Natalie Waters and Ciara Woodall.
The State FFA Degrees were sponsored by Scott and Kelly Register. The award is the highest honor bestowed by the state and is presented to graduating seniors. Winners received a blanket from the sponsor and a stole for graduation. The recipients of this year’s State FFA Degrees were: Maegan Beatty, Jace Bielling, Jackson Crook, Will Harden, Eli Hendricks, Laura Park, Anna Ward and Ciara Woodall.
The Superior Senior Award, sponsored by Ashlyn Woodington and Hali Perryman and was awarded to Laura Park.
Aidan Newsome was the winner of the Harlis Ellington Memorial Scholarship of $500 and a plaque. These were presented by members of the Ellington family.
The Lori Anderson Memorial Scholarships were presented by Lori Nicole Anderson and awarded to Ciara Woodall, Maegan Beatty and Anna Ward.
The Wild Turkey Federation Scholarships was presented by Paul Waters and were awarded to Kyla Boney and Jackson Crook.
The Ford Scholarships, of $1,000 each, given by Ford and Murray Ford of Starke were Ciara Woodall, Laura Park and Eli Hendricks.
The Shirley Kirby Memorial Scholarship was presented by Kevin and Keith Kirby to Josie Croft.
The Daniel Elixson Memorial Scholarships were presented by members of the Elixson family to Will Harden, Eli Hendricks and Ciara Woodall.
Jackie Fautt, mother of Ciara Kearns, presented the Ciara Kearns Memorial Scholarship to Tahj Merriex.
Members of the Crosby family and Kelley Lane presented the Summer Crosby Memorial Scholarships to Ciara Woodall and Will Harden.
The Hobo Tractor Scholarships were presented two $1,000 scholarships to Laura Park and Will Harden.
The Workhorse Scholarship was presented by Audyn Woodington, Savannah Douglas and Andrew Worten and was granted to Will Harden.
The Legacy Scholarship was awarded to Jace Bielling.
The Bradford-Union Youth Show and Sale awarded a $500 scholarship to Eli Rimes. The Union County Livestock Association also awarded scholarships.
For the evening a total of over $13,000 in awards and scholarships were given out. The program concluded with a slideshow presentation of the many activities over the past year and a statement of the objectives FFA instills and represents.
