Nebraska Ag Academy 2024 banquet
The Nebraska Agriculture Academy held their 2nd Annual FFA awards banquet on Friday, April 19 in Kearney. There were 21 members in attendance with approximately 120 guests supporting the youth. The morning of April 19th, nine members toured Ward Laboratories and the Kearney Humane Society. During the ward laboratories tour Dr. Ray Ward founder and owner of Ward labs took the youth through the process that the feed, soil, and water samples travel from start to finish. He shared his personal story, and how he started the Labs. The Kearney Humane society was kind enough to open their doors for the chapter as well. They allowed us to see the Cats and Dogs within their system currently and they offered a glimpse of the impact they have on the Kearney community.
At the Banquet teachers/ advisors Ann Dvorak, Katie Shadbolt, and Breann Zimmer spoke about all the success the chapter has had this year. The Nebraska Ag Academy is happy to announce that Sara Hebda (Beatrice) will be joining the advisor team as the Plant Science teacher. The keynote speaker was Amanda Hallock; 2024 Nebraska Mrs. United States Agriculture. She spoke on her involvement in and advocacy for the agriculture community. During the banquet, awards for district and state Career Development Events (CDES), Leadership Development Event (LDES). The State Champion Vet Science Team of August Schow (Paxton), Taya Hamilton (Leigh), Ella Brennemann (Valentine), and Emily Brhel (Fairfeild) were recognized again, along with State Champion Kayli Rose (Gordon) with her Agriscience Fair project.
Proficiencies, degrees, and star members were presented. Junior high members that received the Discovery degree include Natali Abood (Revena), Grace Chevalier (Bennet), Lily Holmquist (Burwell) Adaya Mihlbach (Taylor) Jarret Mihlbach (Taylor), Amelia Rayburn (Gibbon), and Paisley White (Springfeild). Receiving the Greenhand degree include Freshman Kade Kosmicki (Cairo) Sophomores Ella Brennemann (Valentine) and Emily Brhel (Fairfeild). Recipients of the Chapter degree were sophomores Mahya Jones (Ansley) Kayli Rose (Gordon) and Shayla Staab (Broken Bow); juniors Olivia Beel (Johnstown) August Schow (Paxton) Hailey Gubbles (Stuart) Rylie Sexson (Kilgore). Taya Hamilton became the first Nebraska ag academy student to receive the State Degree. Amelia Rayburn received the Star Junior High Member award, Amelia has demonstrated her passion for Agriculture and her love for people through her FFA involvement over the past year. Receiving the star High school member was Ella Brennemann. Seniors Taya Hamilton (Leigh), and Lilee Chevalier (Bennett) retired their FFA jackets.
New officers were announced with Mahaya Jones elected President, Emily Brhel Vice President, Kayli Rose secretary, Ella Brennemann reporter, Olivia Beel Treasurer, and Naomi Deaver (Hayes Center) sentinel. These members are excited to start this new experience and lead their chapter to success in the coming year. Thank you to everyone who came to help celebrate all of our members at this year’s Nebraska Agriculture Academy banquet!