Cottondale FFA 2017 Banquet & Awards Ceremony
The Annual Awards and Appreciation Banquet of the Cottondale FFA Chapter was held May 15 at the Rivertown Community Church in Marianna, Florida. The banquet was a huge success with more than 320 people in attendance. The banquet theme was “Echoes of Yesterday.” Principal, Ken Granger, began the banquet with the Cottondale High School Welcome, and Kevin Kent, the Florida FFA Assistant Executive Director, gave the official Florida FFA Welcome. The keynote address was presented by Mason Taylor, Area I State Vice President. After the opening remarks, Nathan Kelley, Chaplain, said a prayer and the guests were served a dinner of smoked steaks. The Cottondale FFA Chapter would like to thank the Cottondale Volleyball Team for assisting with serving dinner. During dinner, the guests were entertained with a slideshow that included all of this year’s Career Development Event teams and their placing, as well as pictures from present and past generations of FFA members. The Cottondale FFA members were then recognized for achievements they have accomplished throughout the year. The Star Chapter winners include, Star Discovery, Jordan Dominguez, Star Greenhand, Taylor Dumas, and Star Chapter, Joey Jackson. Mrs. Jerris Grover, Cottondale FFA Alumni President, presented the Alumni Scholarship to Laramie Pooser, and Trevor Byre presented the SAE Award, on behalf of the Jackson County Farm Bureau, to Case Birge. The DeKalb Agricultural Accomplishment Award was presented to Laramie Pooser. Next, the Cottondale FFA officers recognized and presented this year’s Honorary Membership Award to Albert Nix for his continuous support of the Cottondale FFA program. Advisor, Mr. Scurlock, presented special awards to members who exceled during the year and a Special Teamwork Award to this year’s intern, Dustin Davis. Joanie Fox, Case Birge, and Laramie Pooser provided their retiring addresses to the chapter and guests. Following this, Kayley Turner and Sommer Gurganus recognized this year’s sponsors and supporters. Also, Tyler Sallas and Jordan Dominguez announced the silent auction results before Kenny Griffin started the live auction. Finally, a slideshow of the newly elected officers for the 2017-2018 school year closed the banquet. The newly elected officers are as follows: President, Caleb Reed; Vice President, Joey Jackson; Secretary, Jordan Dominguez; Treasurer, Angel Trino; Reporter, Kayley Turner; Sentinel, Austin O’Neal; Chaplain, Emily Davis; Parliamentarian, CJ Young; Historian, Sommer Gurgangus; VP of Public Relations, Nathan Emily Barnes; and Student Advisor, Tyler Sallas. Overall, the 2016-2017 banquet was a major success. The Cottondale FFA Chapter thanks all the members, supporters, and alumni for their assistance throughout the year.
