On Monday, Fairfield FFA recognized six outstanding members and bid farewell to departing chapter advisor Kraig Bowers.
At the chapter's annual spring banquet, brothers Nick and Nate Bowser received the Glen Byler award, while Ethan Bontrager was honored with the DeKalb Award. Other award winners included Justin Slabaugh, Star Farmer; Morgan Alexander, Star Placement; and Gavin Erb, Star Greenhand.
Thirteen members of the Fairfield FFA chapter are graduating this year. Over the past four years, this group has won three national soils judging championships, one national livestock judging title, two state soils championships, one state livestock judging championship and two state top four team placings in the Livestock Skillathon. Two Fairfield livestock judging teams qualified to compete internationally at the Royal Highland contest in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Also, several members have won individual awards, scholarships or trips. These include the International Borlaug-Ruan Internship Award, World Food Prize Youth Institute qualifier, six district proficiency winners, one state proficiency winner, one district Star Farmer, two district officers and one state officer candidate.
The 13 seniors include: Nick Bowser, Nate Bowser, MacKenzie Bobeck, Delaney Hochstedler, Bryce Miller, Lauren Parcell, Andrew Dowty, Morgan Alexander, Grant Sanchez, Brayden Bontrager, Justin Slabaugh, Ethan Bontrager and Reuben Kesler.
Nick Bowers served as president of the FFA chapter for the 2016-17 school year. He was assisted by six vice presidents, including Justin Slabaugh, student development; Nate Bowser, community outreach; Ethan Bontrager, community service; Grant Sanchez, chapter development; Gavin Erb, student development; and Greta Yoder, fundraising.
At the end of the awards program, members of the Fairfield FFA advisory committee came forward to present a special award to agriculture teacher and FFA advisor Kraig Bowers for leading the FFA chapter over the past 12 years. Those attending the banquet, including many current and former members, rose to their feet to give Bowers a standing ovation as he received a plaque from Jeff Lorenz of the advisory committee.
Bowers is stepping down from his position at Fairfield to accept a teaching assistantship at Purdue University.
New officers were installed for the 2017-18 school year. Greta Yoder will serve as chapter president and will be assisted by five vice presidents, including Gavin Erb, chapter development; Logan Haab, student development; Janae Brown, community outreach; Harlee Miller, fundraising; and Emily Yoder, community service.