LORD BOTETOURT FFA HOLDS ANNUAL PARENT MEMBER BANQUET

Matt Lohr, Commissioner of Agriculture for the Commonwealth of Virginia was the featured speaker for The Lord Botetourt FFA  annual parent member banquet on May 8, 2012 in the high school cafeteria. FFA members joined their families and other officials in celebrating the achievements and awards they had earned over the past year. Other speakers at the banquet included  Nina Miller, the current Virginia State FFA Vice president and Jeff Henderson LBHS alumni President. Aside from members and parents in attendance  Mr. Jack Leffel of the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors, Mr. John Alderson, Mr. Michael Beahm and Mrs. Ruth Wallace of the Botetourt County School Board and Mrs. Janet Womack Principal of Lord Botetourt High School were in attendance.

The Banquet was kicked off with the chapter officers performing the official FFA opening ceremony which includes a role call of officers where each officer recites their duties as an officer. Upon conclusion of the ceremony all those in attendance partook of a meal sponsored in part by New River Electric, Botetourt County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and Women’s Committee, A Little off the Top, Dixie Tile, Daniels Heating, Air, and Plumbing, and catered by Mr. Jim Bushong of Don Ho’s catering and restaurant.

After the meal the program included greetings from the key note speaker, Commissioner Lohr. Commissioner Lohr enlightened all in attendance of the impact that the FFA had had in his life and provided words of wisdom for young FFA members as they embark on their future whether it is in the FFA, college or a career in the Agriculture industry a field where colleges are unable to come even close to graduating enough qualified graduates to fill all of the careers that are available in Agriculture.

The remainder of the agenda included: a photo presentation from the chapter reporters Aaron Treadway and Bethany Ross that included all of the activities and accomplishment of the chapter over the year. Greetings were given from the President of the Botetourt County FFA Alumni chapter Mr. Jeff Henderson, recognition of our chapter officers, the presentation of the FFA Creed by Robbie Gathje, recognition of our special guests by chapter Vice President Gavin Spradlin, and recognition of our 32 sponsors by chapter Sentinel John Daniel.

Mr. Stuart Byrd, the Lord Botetourt FFA advisor, then proceeded to recognize students for their accomplishments. The following students received the Degree of Green Hand: Chelsea Broce, Brandon Dooley, Robbie Gathje, Ian Graham, Tyler Lehman, Barron Miller, and Brendan Whitaker. The following received their Chapter FFA Degree: Ben Drewry, Scott Harris, Courtney Henderson, Ricky Ryder, Gavin Spradlin, and Aaron Treadway. The following were recognized and will be getting their state degree this June at the State FFA Convention at Virginia Tech: Jake Gray, C.W. Knox and Josh Pinkard. Luke Sevison was regonized for earning his American FFA Degree which he will receive at the National FFA convention this October in Indianapolis Indiana.

The following students received awards at the banquet: Robbie Gathje received the Outstanding Freshman Award, Courtney Henderson received the Outstanding Sophomore Award, Zach Dove received the Outstanding Junior Award, and Jake Gray received the Outstanding Senior Award. Ben Drewry received the Star Green Hand, Scott Harris received the Star Chapter Farmer, John Daniel received the Star in Agribusiness, and Josh Pinkard received the Dekalb Accomplishment Award.

The following students were recognized for competitions they competed in: Robbie Gathje was recognized for placing first in the Chapter Creed Speaking Contest, Scott Harris was recognized for placing first in the Chapter Public Speaking Contest, Josh Pinkard was recognized for placing High Individual in the Northern Area Forestry Contest, Ricky Ryder was recognized for placing first in the Federation Tractor Operator’s Contest, and John Daniel was recognized for placing first in the Northern Area Small Engine Repair Contest. John Daniel will be competing in the state contest this fall.

After the banquet Door Prizes were awarded including the grand prize, Two tickets to the Allen Jackson concert on May 18th that were won by our very own Mrs. Womack, who as a surprise for the FFA Officers who were not eligible for door prizes donated the tickets back as a reward for a job well done. “I was very excited to win the Tickets..” stated Womack “However, I know that those students would enjoy the concert more than me and they really deserve something for doing such a great job.”

The Lord Botetourt FFA would like to again thank all of the people and businesses that have played a major role in making this year such a great success and we look forward to another great year to come.

–Stuart Byrd