BOTKINS — The Botkins FFA held their annual chapter banquet on April 30. The banquet was began with a meal, followed by a speech from guest speaker Randy Fisher.

Many members received awards for their hard work and dedication. The following had the honor of receiving these awards and scholarships. Micah Smock received the Robert Meyer Memorial Scholarship, as well as the Dekalb Agricultural Accomplishment Award.

Maddie Okuley, Madi Steinke and Kayla Kohler received the Blue and Gold Award. Evan Aufderhaar was awarded the Donald Topp Memorial Award. Maddie Altherr and Lindsey Okuley received the Star Chapter award.

Two awards were given out for best shop project and the recipients of those awards were Bryce Swank and Jarod Oleyar. Ethan and Dean Butcher, Clayton and Colton Harshbarger and Grace Homan were recognized for selling the most fruit during fruit sales.

The Star Greenhand award was presented to Paul Buehler, Dean Butcher, Clayton Harshbarger and Colton Harshbarger. Dani Schneider and Keaton Topp were awarded the Junior Leadership award. The Scholastic Award was presented to Alex Bajwa, Elliot Goubeaux, Grace Homan, Lindsey Okuley, Dani Schneider, Madeline Okuley, Micah Smock and Kayla Kohler. Seth Aufderhaar, Chad Steinke and Nancy Steinke were awarded with the Honorary Chapter Degree.

Dani Schneider was voted to be the FFA Carousel Queen candidate for 2017 by the chapter.

The banquet was wrapped up with the installment of the 2017-18 chapter officers. They were installed as follows: President Dani Schneider, Vice President Lindsey Okuley, Secretary Paige Lane, Treasurer Evan Aufderhaar, Reporter Maddie Altherr, Student Adviser Keaton Topp, Sentinel Tyler Swank, Historian Zane Egbert, Parliamentarian Josh Brown, and Chaplain Grace Homan.