State champ Parliamentary Procedure Team headed to nationals
Members of the Gilmer High and Clear Creek Middle School FFA chapters looked back at an eventful year filled with high points, while bidding a fond farewell to graduating seniors, during the club’s annual banquet last Thursday at the Gilmer County Agriculture Education Center.
A total of 147 students competed in FFA career and leadership development events, while 23 teams competed at the state level, during the 2022-23 school year.
Among the year’s accomplishments: a state win for the GHS Parliamentary Procedure Team and state runner-up placement for the Senior Extemporaneous Public Speaking, Junior Poultry Evaluation, Agricultural Sales and Clear Creek Conduct of Chapter Teams, along with various first in area wins and state placement for several other local middle and high school FFA teams.
At the event, all members of competing teams and individual competitors were recognized with award certificates and no shortage of applause.
“I could not express how thrilled I am that we are able to meet together once again to celebrate the honorable achievements of our chapter,” GHS FFA Chapter President Laney Hensley told the crowd gathered at the ag. center. “Nothing makes our chapter more proud than recognizing the diligent work of our FFA members (who) have been living to serve this chapter throughout the year.”
Graduating seniors who hung up their blue FFA jackets, a hallmark of the annual end-of-school-year event, gave their retiring addresses, telling what their time with FFA has meant to them. As for lasting memories, most of them mentioned the friendships they’ve made and the leadership, competition and public speaking skills they’ve developed through participating in club activities.
The instruction and support provided by teachers David Bushey, Michael Bushey, Shelby Merrell, Nick Cantrell and Emily Farist were spoken of highly by the seniors, who received their yellow and blue graduation cords after hanging up their jackets.
“Tonight is a celebration of our students’ accomplishments and achievements throughout the year, but none of it would be possible without our ag. teachers, who are the stars of the show,” said chapter vice president Natalie Hensley.
This year’s graduating FFA seniors are: Annalyssa Brown, Ana Martinez, Laney Hensley, Natalie Hensley, Kylie McCook, Cassie Pritchett, Madeleine Shull, Daniela Montes, Jasmine Rafael, Matthew Chastain, Leslie Benitez, Camden Lyles, Ian Haggerty, Ashlyn Copeland, Mary Bowman, Kailyn Hadden,
Stephanie Guzman, Mary Parks, Haleigh Ledford, Kaitlin Holt, Larz Fowler, Carter Jones, Christian Sumner, Jacob Bertolini and Caitlin Philips.
Several Class of 2023 grads including Matthew Chastain, Mary Parks and Annalyssa Brown — all of whom received college scholarships from Gilmer Farm Bureau — plan to go into an animal or agriculture-related field of study.
“We had some good applications and just a great response,” said Darrell Jones, Gilmer Farm Bureau president, when presenting the scholarships.
“You parents and grandparents supporting these kids is what makes this program (work). We saw great accomplishments this afternoon,” Jones added.
Club members also recognized school system employees who’ve made a positive impact on the local FFA program. Maria Nieves, a counselor at GHS, received the Honorary Chapter Degree, which recognizes outstanding contributions made by an individual on behalf of the club.
“(She) is an instrumental part of the proper functioning of our FFA chapter. She does so much to help all programs in our school and is essential to things running smoothly at GHS. She never ceases to help (the ag. teachers) with a smile on her face,” said club member Katelyn Campbell about Nieves.
Club members also bid a fond farewell to agriculture teacher Nick Cantrell, who’s leaving to teach in Pickens County. In her remarks, Lucy Ray said Cantrell was “encouraging, patient and always believed” in students.
“He’s not only had an impact on me and my team, but every single student who’s been a part of Gilmer FFA since he’s taught here,” Ray said. “He constantly puts others before himself, and his kindness never goes unnoticed. He’s the first person to tell you to keep your head up when you’re down, and his leadership makes students feel valued and cared for. Though his time at Gilmer FFA has come to an end, the impact he’s had on this chapter will last forever.”
The big year continues for members of the state champion Parliamentary Procedure Team, who will go on to represent Gilmer County and the state of Georgia at the 2023 National FFA Convention. They will compete in Indianapolis, Ind., this fall.