FORT LORAMIE — The Fort Loramie-UVCC FFA held their annual awards banquet, on April 11, during which numerous FFA members were awarded for participation in the Fort Loramie chapter this year.
This October, one member, Austin Meyer, will be receiving his American FFA Degree, joining an exclusive club of very few FFA members who have earned both state and American degrees.
In addition to Austin’s American degree, six students will receive their State FFA Degree at the Ohio FFA Convention in May, including Justin Putoff, James Keller, Nora Beresik, Mark Seger, Hannah Siegel, and Jenna Pleiman.
Another achievement of the chapter this year involved the Ag Technology and Mechanical Systems team, which won state and will compete at the National FFA Convention this October.
Nora Beresik obtained state runner-up in the GrowMark Essay Contest, and she is a state finalist in the Veterinary Science Proficiency Award, competing at the State FFA Convention this May.
During the ceremony, the officers recognized some of the “outstanding” FFA members this year. For their work, the members received a custom engraved hickory plaque.
To conclude the 2018-2019 FFA Chapter year, the former president, Hannah Siegel, delivered her retiring address, giving thanks to Advisor Matt Pleiman, and other members. She also highlighted some of the best parts of the year and expressed her appreciation for the Fort Loramie-UVCC FFA and the people who have helped with the chapter.
When one year in FFA concludes, new officers are elected for the upcoming year as the older ones leave their posts. The new Fort Loramie-UVCC FFA Chapter President, Justin Putoff, delivered a speech, during which he spoke about the importance of being true to your word.
“’I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds,’” he said. “This is the first line of the FFA Creed. This to me is the most important and defining part of the creed. It means that you as an FFA member are committed to helping others and doing what you say you are going to do; keeping your promises. My challenge to you fellow FFA members is to keep your promises, own up to your mistakes, and help others achieve their goals.”
Siegel inducted the new 2019-2020 officer team, which includes President Justin Putoff, Vice President Hannah Siegel, secretary Nora Beresik, assistant secretary/UVCC Ambassador Kalei Welch, treasurer Blake Holthaus, reporter James Keller, sentinel Leslie Allen, and student advisor Jenna Pleiman. Pleiman remains the advisor.
The Fort Loramie FFA-UVCC is a satellite program of the Upper Valley Career Center.
