The 61st Pettisville annual FFA banquet was held on Tuesday, March 29. The theme was “Infinite Potential.”

The banquet consisted of a catered meal served by Pettisville Student Council, an official meeting, awards, and installation of new officers.

Receiving Star Greenhand degrees in the freshman class were Trisha Cousino and Logan Nofziger. Receiving Star Chapter degrees were Kelsey Weirauch and Brooke Betz.

Two Honorary Chapter Degree recipients, Mark and Jane Bruner and Brad and Tina Rufenacht, were recognized. Both couples were recognized for their support of the FFA chapter in time and support. Recipients are selected by a vote of the chapter.

The Pettisville Alumni Association awards $10 each year for sophomores completing a quality proficiency award form for a Supervised Agricultural Experience area. Sophomores earning the award were Dexter Aeschliman, ag mechanics fabrication; Annie Eicher, greenhouse management; Aaron King, beef placement; Katelyn Nofziger, oil crops; Justin Pursel, environmental resources; and Nathan Spotts, ag mechanics repair.

Earning $20 for district and state recognition in profi ciency awards were Vicki Nofziger, swine, diversified livestock placement and specialty crop; Kayla King, small animal; Emily Herring, oil crop and diversified crop; and Taylor Kruse, specialty animal.

Eighteen members were awarded Career Development Event pins for being in the top four of county or district placing. Arrin Short was top scorer in the pest hunt. The top fruit seller was Kelsey Weirauch. Other top salesmen were Vicki Nofziger, Emily Herring and Luke Meller.

The records and accounting award went to Kayla King. The award goes to the member who practices the best record keeping, organization skills, and has good analysis skills.

Several individual award areas were presented:

Records and accounting award: Kayla King;

Top scholar award: Tanner Hostetler and Taylor Kruse (both had 4.0 gpas);

Alumni senior scholarship: Emily Herring;

Alumni college scholarship: Rebekah Meller;

Ron Rupp Leadership award: Alex Donnett;

Junior Achievement Award: Taylor Kruse

Dekalb Agricultural Accomplishment Award: Emily Herring.

Twenty-nine members received the Top Points Performers award.

Last year’s chapter sweetheart, Emily Herring, passed on her role to the new FFA sweetheart, Taylor Kruse.

Five new and two reelected officers were installed. The new officers are: Aaron Bruner, president; Taylor Kruse, vice president; Kelsey Weirauch, secretary; Nathan Spotts, treasurer; Brooke Betz, reporter; Luke Meller, sentinel; Travis Beck, student advisor.

Assistant officers are Annie Eicher, Trisha Cousino, Claire Fry, Tyler Herschberger and Chrysta Beck.

Torin Blosser, treasurer, was highlighted for having a perfect score on his officer book.–Brooke Betz, reporter