by Rachel Hunter
The Gouverneur Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter held its Annual Blue & Gold Banquet on Thursday, May 9 at the Gouverneur High School.
The annual awards banquet has been a tradition at the Gouverneur Central School District since 1927 when the when the first Agricultural Club was organized. The club became known as the Young Farmers Club and later became Future Farmers of America. The Gouverneur FFA Chapter was the tenth club to receive a charter.
All were warmly welcomed by Gouverneur FFA Chapter Advisor Mrs. Kylie Torres and Gouverneur FFA Chapter President Jaden Rodriguez alongside the 2023-24 Officer Team, including Vice President Jayden Jenne, Treasurer Ivey Bulger and Madison Lewis, and Sentinel Morris Wing. “We are here to celebrate the success of the past year of the FFA Chapter,” President Rodriguez said.
St. Lawrence County Dairy Princess Kaitlyn Putman alongside dairy promoters Grace MacDonald of Hammond and Norah MacDonald of Hammond gave an update on the 2024 activities of the St. Lawrence County Dairy Promotion Program. See related story inside this edition.
Gouverneur FFA Member Reigna Belcher then gave the invocation as follows: “Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing us all here tonight in celebration of our FFA Chapter. Bless the food we are about to eat, as well as the hands that have grown, produced and prepared it. Amen.”
The Gouverneur FFA Chapter then served up a scrumptious barbecued pulled pork and chicken dinner from Squishy’s Barbecue in Lowville. The meal was complete with macaroni and cheese, cole slaw, beans, and salt potatoes. The feast concluded with cake pops, rice cereal treats, and Stewart’s Shops ice cream for dessert. At 6:45 p.m., the crowd of about 80 members and guests made their way to the Gouverneur High School auditorium for the awards ceremony.
Founded in 1928, the Future Farmers of America brought students, teachers, and communities together to support agriculture and develop future agribusiness. As an organization of, by, and for members, many rich and symbolic traditions still tie members of the National FFA Organization back to its roots, from the iconic blue corduroy jacket to the FFA emblem, FFA creed, and even the ceremonies that embody the ideals of the organization. Official ceremonies – such as the Gouverneur FFA Annual Banquet – are a source of pride, identity, and tradition that serve to boost members’ efficacy in leading while emphasizing the purpose of the meetings and the duties of the officers. These ceremonies and the symbols assigned are memorized by officers, allowing them to reflect sincerity and leadership every time they’re spoken. President Jaden Rodriguez called the meeting to order, asking if all officers were at their station. Vice President Jayden Jenne then called the roll of officers, who then explained what each of the offices symbolizes and the duties associated with their station. President Rodriguez later declared the meeting open. Vice President Jenne welcomed all in attendance and recognized the great contributions from community members, GCS faculty and staff, and parents that made all of the Gouverneur FFA Chapter’s accomplishments possible. “This banquet is a way for our FFA Chapter to say thank you to everyone who has donated their time, money, and assistance to allow our members the opportunity to experience success. We realize that without help from our parents, community members, and faculty and staff of Gouverneur High School, we cannot accomplish what we have in the last year. This banquet is an annual event to recognize the activities and achievements of our local FFA Chapter, and all of the community support that makes it possible. May we look back on the accomplishments from the past year to not only celebrate them, but to push us forward with our endeavors so we can aim for successes in the coming years.”
Special guests in attendance included Gouverneur Central School District Superintendent of Schools Jackie Kelly, St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency CEO Patrick Kelly, Gouverneur High School Principal Cory Wood, Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education, and the Gouverneur CSD Agriculture Advisory Board, which includes the following: Chairman Don Peck, Vice Chairman Allyn Tubbs, Secretary Karen Rizza, Treasurer Lyle Hotis, and members Robert Andrews, Kari Schermerhorn, John Hunter, Doug Thompson, and Stan Wujcik.
Activities Report
The Chapter Activities Report was given by Sentinel Morris Wing and Co-Treasurer Ivey Bulger. “This past year has definitely been a rewarding year for the Gouverneur FFA Chapter,” Sentinel Wing said. “Our members participated in a variety of leadership development events, conventions, and fundraising events. Our chapter activities begin with the election of chapter officers at the end of the school year. At the end of September, FFA members assisted in the annual auction put on by the Gouverneur Ag Advisory Board. Throughout the fall, members worked the football concession stand as a fundraiser for the National FFA Convention. At the end of October, four members traveled to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Along the way, we stopped at Longwood Gardens, The Wilds, and Ohio State University Vet College. In January, eight students traveled to Marathon Central School to attend the Ignite Member Leadership Conference where students were able to mingle with other FFA members throughout the state and learn valuable skills, and brought them back to the chapter. February started leadership development contests. We had one student compete at the district level. Reigna Belcher competed in Senior Prepared Public Speaking. To round out our year so far, eight members traveled to Buffalo for the New York State FFA Convention. We had two teams compete for Food Science and Floriculture. We also had two award winners. Jayden “JJ” Jenne was awarded her State Degree and Madison Lewis was awarded her own FFA jacket. Although the school year is quickly ending, we still have a lot of exciting things happening for the FFA.”
“We also have four members attending FFA summer camp at Camp Oswegatchie in July,” Co-Treasurer Bulger said. The St. Lawrence County Fair is the first week in August when various members will be showing livestock, competing in contests, and volunteering. Make sure to stop by the FFA Building to see what exciting displays we have.
“Many of these activities would not have been possible without the fundraising efforts of the FFA members and the support of the community. At this time, we would like to thank everyone for their support of the chapter.” Among those extended gratitude were over 90 community members and local businesses. Thunderous applause sounded in appreciation of their sponsorship.
President Rodriguez then said: “For those who do not know, FFA is considered a intra-curricular club, which means it involves all students involved in agricultural classes and students can choose how much time they spend outside the classtime. At this time, we would like to recognize all those who helped with our fundraising efforts this year. Without you, we would not be able to do all the great things we have done in and out of class this year.” Recognition awards were presented to each FFA member who assisted with the chapter’s fundraisers throughout the year.
FFA Degrees
The Greenhand Degree was presented to the following FFA members: Reigna Belcher, Katelin Bush, Madison Lewis, and Briahna McGill. The Greenhand Degree is a degree given to first-year high school students who have demonstrated that they have a thorough understanding of the history and purpose of FFA. The Greenhand Degrees are awarded at the chapter level.
A special announcement was then made by Gouverneur CSD Agricultural Advisory Board Chairman Don Peck as follows: “At our ag advisory board meeting a couple nights ago, we decided that from now on, whenever you receive a Greenhand Degree, the Gouverneur Ag Advisory Board will buy your jacket. If for some reason, you already have your jacket, you will have a $75 credit on the books to go toward any FFA convention or activity.” Thunderous applause sounded as the announcement was made.
The Chapter Degree was awarded to the following recipients: Kati McIntosh, Morris Wing, Jaden Rodriguez, Jayden Jenne, Jacey Sheen, Ivey Bulger, Cadin Brown, and Matthew Filiatrault. The Chapter FFA Degree is a degree given to an FFA chapter's top members who have met certain qualifications. It is earned by second year FFA members who have held the Degree of Greenhand for at least one semester and have completed at least 180 hours of agricultural education. It is also based on the members' participation in the local chapter activities and their supervised agricultural experience.
The New York State Empire FFA Degree was presented to Gouverneur FFA Chapter Member Jayden Jenne. The State FFA Degree is the highest degree that a State FFA Association can bestow upon a member. It is awarded annually at the State FFA Convention to members who have met the minimum qualifications set forth by the State FFA Association and National FFA Organization. To receive a State FFA Degree, members must have received the Chapter FFA Degree and have been an active FFA member for at least two years. The degree is a high and rare honor, with less than two percent of FFA members earning it.
“Jayden Jenne has been working the last couple years to earn her State Degree,” President Rodriguez said. “JJ has attended various local, state and national events along with keeping up with her SAE. Please help me congratulate her for this great honor.” Great applause and cheers sounded as Advisor Torres presented Jayden Jenne with her State FFA Degree.
The Gouverneur FFA Chapter bestowed the Honorary Chapter Degree on Gouverneur Central School District Superintendent of Schools Jackie Kelly. “This year, we have chosen to extend our honorary degree to someone who has shown extensive support to our program in the last two years,” Co-Treasurer Madison Lewis said. “All of the trips and activities that the FFA does would not be possible without the backing of Mrs. Kelly. Tonight, we would like to honor our superintendent, Mrs. Kelly, for everything she has done for us. Our members recognize that without your support, we would not be where we are today.” “Thank you,” Supt. Kelly said as she was bestowed the honor.
“It takes more than a few people to make a FFA Chapter successful,” Co-Treasurer Lewis said. “We would like to thank those who have helped us throughout the year, to include the Gouverneur school staff, parents and community members. Thank you!”
Awards Ceremony
The 2023-24 Officer Team then conducted the award presentation. “The highest award that a degree recipient can obtain in the FFA Organization is the Star Award,” Vice President Jenne said. “Each time a degree is received, a Star is chosen out of those candidates and named Star Greenhand, Star Chapter Degree, Star Ag Placement. A Star award is based upon participation in FFA activities, having an outstanding SAE program and given to the member who has a balanced FFA experience.”
The 2023-24 Star Greenhand is Madison Lewis. “Our Chapter Star Greenhand has done many activities this year, and continues to have plans for the summer,” Vice President Jenne said. “This member is helpful in and out of the classroom. This member has taken a leap of faith and interviewed for an officer position, and is an incoming officer for the new year. Our 2023-24 Star Greenhand is Madison Lewis.”
The 2023-24 Star Chapter Degree is Morris Wing. “Our Chapter Degree winner has spent the last two years actively involved in the FFA Chapter,” Vice President Jenne said. “Whether it has been going to leadership development conferences, spending time at camp, or helping out after school with various projects. Our Star Chapter Degree winner is Morris Wing.”
The 2023-24 Star Ag Placement is Jayden Jenne. “Our chapter’s Star Ag Placement winner has an outstanding SAE focusing on her job at Bob’s Market,” Advisor Torres said. “For her placement she works at the front and back of the house, and continues to strive to do the best that she can each and every shift she works. Our 2023-24 Chapter Star Ag Placement winner is Jayden Jenne.”
Thunderous applause sounded as the honors were presented to the recipients.
Plaques were presented to the Outstanding FFA Members, including Jayden Jenne (junior) and Morris Wing (senior). The outstanding members from each grade are recognized for their involvement in FFA at school activities and in the community. FFA aims to develop well-rounded individuals who succeed long after they retire their FFA jacket. The outstanding members are able to maintain their grades while being active members.
The Blue and Gold Award was presented to Madison Lewis, who is said to be “always willing to help out, no matter the task and is a friend to everyone.” Lewis is also actively involved in the Liberty Partnership Program and Chamber Singers. Unlike the other awards presented, the Blue and Gold Award recipient has to be nominated by their fellow FFA members.
The Gouverneur FFA Chapter also recognized the members who competed at the New York State Convention in Career Development Events. The Gouverneur FFA Chapter had two teams competed in Food Science and Floriculture. In Food Science, the following members competed: Reigna Belcher, Katelin Bush, Briahna McGill, and Kati McIntosh. In Floriculture, the following members competed: Jacey Sheen, Ivey Bulger, Jayden Jenne, and Madison Lewis. Thunderous applause sounded as the students were honored.
The Gouverneur FFA Chapter then installed the officer team for the 2024-25 school year. The Gouverneur FFA Chapter’s graduating seniors were also recognized in a jacket retirement ceremony. See related story inside this edition. The Gouverneur FFA Chapter concluded the awards banquet by presenting a floral bouquet to FFA Advisor Kylie Torres in appreciation of her time, dedication, and support. “Thank you for getting us out of our comfort zones to do anything and everything,” McIntosh said.
More information about the Gouverneur FFA Chapter will be reported as details are made available to the Gouverneur Tribune Press. For more information about the Gouverneur Central School District, visit gcsk12.org.