The Manawa FFA celebrated the year’s events recently with a banquet at Little Wolf High School. This year’s officer team consisted of President Wendy Kons, Vice President Jennifer Spick, Secretary Courtlynn Oltz, Treasurer Matthew Heimbruch, Student Advisor Joe Kaczorowski and FFA Advisor Sandy Piechowski Cordes.
Students were honored for their participation in community service, speaking contests, proficiency awards and career development events at a potluck meal for more than 150 guests.
Star Award winners at the Manawa FFA Banquet included: President’s Sunshine Service Award: Tristan Selle; Star Greenhand: Tristan Selle; Star Chapter Member: Courtlynn Oltz; Outstanding Junior (co-award): Wendy Kons; Outstanding Senior: Zach Pethke; and National DeKalb Award: Rodney Kempf.
Receiving state honors for gold proficiency awards were Joe Kaczorowski and Caryn Frazier. Molly Loughrin and Aurora May were honored for being selected for the State FFA Chorus. Nathan O’Brien was recognized as being the winner in the State Tractor Operator’s Contest. Local proficiency awards and degrees were presented to members.
The FFA officer leadership team selected Bernie Bauer to receive the Honorary FFA Membership Award and the Little Wolf Jr./Sr. High Kitchen Staff to receive the Blue & Gold Service Award for their stellar support of the Manawa FFA program.
Receiving scholarships from the Manawa FFA Alumni were FFA seniors Rod Kempf, Taylor Remington and Kim Retzke. Kempf also received financial support from the Seeger Dairy Farm Scholarship. Anthony Hass was awarded the Ray Dusel Memorial Entreprenuership Scholarship.
Officers for next year include: Kons, Spick, Heimbruch, Kaczorowski, Oltz, Selle, Adam Michalowski and Ansley Block.
Joe Starr of Crosscut Solutions auctioneered the 8th Annual Dessert Auction, helping Manawa FFA raise more than $1,600 for leadership development projects. The FFA is devoted to developing premier leadership, personal growth, and career success in our students.