The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By: Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher
A SALUTE TO WEST CENTRAL FFA
Last Wednesday evening's West Central annual FFA banquet was very moving.
As West Central senior officers gave their closing addresses, most were in tears, but parents and those attending felt a lot of pride in witnessing these amazing young men and women.
It was reassuring to see the excellent quality of growth each FFA member has developed over their 4 years, due to the successful FFA program at West Central, and its esteemed adviser Darrell Gittings and the backing that has been given him by the community who values FFA and the program Mr. Gittings leads.
Mr. Gittings credited his success much from the excellent backing by Supt. Ralph Grimm, and the West Central School Board saying they have developed a high quality educational program here at West Central, one that the school district can be very proud of.
It was evident that the FFA program under Mr. Gittings guidance for ten years, has developed students who are caring and hard working, who have developed strong leadership abilities, and who are respectful of others.
They are students who care for its environment and for the future of agriculture. They care for other FFA club members, and they show respect for adults and parents who are helping them along the way become successful.
Wednesday evening was full of positive language, and appreciation for the pushing and the challenges they were given along the way.
As they look back to their Freshman year and see how much they have accomplished each year and the leadership and work ethics they have acquired, they are so very thankful for parents, FFA members, FFA Alumni and Mr. Gittings who push them to take the challenges that lie before them.
Logan Torrance, outgoing President said in his closing remarks that Mr. Gittings taught them, when you are not willing to take on a challenge, there is no growth. Meeting challenges brings growth.
Most importantly, FFA members surprised themselves in the many accomplishments they have achieved. They now are looking forward in building on their past experiences and on what they have learned in hopes to achieve even greater success as the next adventure unfolds for each of them after high school.
Outgoing West Central FFA 2014-15 Officers are:
President: Logan Torrance*
Vice President: Regan Bowman*
2nd Vice President: Shawnee Hartman*
3rd Vice President: Charles McLaughlin III*
Secretary: Brianna Akers
Treasurer: Caleb Dowell*
Reporter: Jamilla Calderon
Sentinel: Zach Brewer*
Parliamentarian: Matthew Vancil*
Historian: Katlyn Johnson*
Chaplain: Raychel McKoon*
*Denotes Retiring Officers
It was buzzing around the West Central auditorium before the meeting was called to order by Senior President Logan Torrance. Many were enjoying browsing all of the donated items for the silent auction and were making bids.
FFA and family members and friends were treated to a free dinner as well catered by HyVee of Burlington, Iowa.
President Torrance called on the First Vice President Regan Bowman to see if all officers were at their stations and had him called roll call.
Each officer told what he was standing by and described why. It was reported at 5:00 that 187 guests and 38 FFA members were present.
Greenhand Nicholas Brokaw recited the FFA Creed and Chaplain Raychel McKoon offered the Invocation and everyone was invited to the buffet line for delicious roast beef or chicken and all the trimmings.
The FFA business meeting took place and outgoing officers gave their final farewell.
The new FFA officers were announced for 2014-15:
President: Allison Link
1st Vice President: Brianna Akers
2nd Vice President: Jamilla Calderon
3rd Vice President: Sam Wolf
Secretary: Mallary Lafary
Treasurer: Grace Scott
Reporter: Tami Endress
Sentinel: Abigail Steck
Parliamentarian: Reagan Reed
Historian: Kathy Link
Chaplain: Andrea Horton
FFA Alumni officers are Pres Jerry Keimig, V.P. Richard Brokaw, Treas. Sara Lefler, and Sec. Samantha Arnold.Secretary.