Warwick FFA banquet recognizes student achievement

WARWICK-The Warwick Valley High School FFA chapter celebrated the 63rd year of student achievement with 140 members and guests attending this year's annual FFA banquet. Following dinner, the chapter recognized community members who provided them with support throughout the year. In addition to a number of special thanks, the chapter honored a special parent who provided outstanding support throughout the year. Mrs. Debora Geoghan received the Honorary Chapter Degree, the highest award a local chapter may bestow upon an individual. She was recognized for her many hours of work on the Christmas wreath sales and chaperoning on numerous occasions including the New York State FFA Convention in May. The coveted DeKalb Agricultural Accomplishment Award was presented to senior Jodi Edsall of Pine Island. The award represents excellence in academics, leadership, and agricultural work experience. Edsall has worked long hours on her parent's dairy farm, been involved in both FFA and 4-H, and has maintained a high average throughout her academic career. Edsall plans to remain in the agriculture industry and will study agricultural business at SUNY Cobleskill in the fall. Edsall is the daughter of Harry and Donna Edsall. Each year a senior is recognized for quiet service to the chapter and its members. This year the Karl Kuckle Memorial Award was presented to Danny Wilson of Pine Island. Wilson served as a timer for the parliamentary procedure team on multiple occasions and was of great help in preparing for the banquet this year. Earlier in the year, he assisted with the record keeping needs for the citrus sale. Throughout the entire year, he was ready at a moment's notice to complete any task needed to keep the FFA smoothly running. His family, as well as many others, generously contributed to the silent auction. Wilson is the son of Cheryl and William Wilson, Jr. of Pine Island. The Leonard Gunsch Memorial Award was presented to Luke Sattler for maintaining the highest English average throughout his high school career. Sattler is the son of Edward and Debbie Sattler of Warwick. Michael Sidoti, outgoing State FFA Treasurer was presented with a plaque in honor of his year of service to the State Association and his example of leadership to the chapter. Sidoti is the first to serve as a state officer from Warwick in many years. Later in the evening Sidoti addressed the banquet and spoke of the need to push oneself toward excellence. He encouraged the FFA members to set high goals and take hold of the opportunities FFA has to offer. Mrs. Michelle Ehlers, the junior chapter advisor, recognized the efforts of junior members that were present. The middle school chapter has grown over the past year and shows great promise for the years to come under Mrs. Ehlers guidance. The following members were recognized: Katie Brosnan, Amber Crandall, Robert DeFreese, Danny Geoghan, Jackie Geoghan, Jill Mydosh, Sean Reilly, Jessica Sidoti, and Laura Walter. The greenhand degree was presented to the following first year members. Ryan Alberts, Olivia Barton, Bob Blanco, Kevin Byrne, Molly Celnick, Kevin Columba, Jen Crandall, Steven DeBuck, Valerie Gillotin, Jen Gregory, Greg Hodgson, Matt Leight, Sean Muench, Chelsea Roman, Stephanie Sabolik, Tim Sattler, Jenn Specht, John VanWoudenberg, and Danny Wilson. The Star Greenhand was presented to Steven DeBuck for his superior leadership and agricultural work experience. The three members were presented with the Chapter FFA Degree, which is the highest degree a member may attain at the local chapter. Chris Hill, Stephie Pavlik, and Chris Thiessen received their Chapter Degrees and Thiessen was recognized with the Star Chapter FFA Degree. Several members were recognized for their accomplishments at this year's state convention. Tim Adams, Jodi Edsall, and Matt Sidoti were each recognized for receiving their Empire Degree with a plaque and the State Degree chain. Members Katie Brosnan, Steven DeBuck, and Dannny Geoghan were recognized for reaching the state level in their particular career development event. In addition, the parliamentary procedure team was recognized for their second place finish at the state meeting. Tim Adams, Matt Sidoti, and Michael Sidoti were recognized for their superior state proficiency awards and 20 members were recognized with local proficiency awards. Matt Sidoti will represent the New York FFA at the National FFA Convention in Louisville this fall with his proficiency in Specialty Crop Production. Each of the graduating seniors had the opportunity to address the banquet. Senior remarks were followed by recognition of retiring junior and senior officers and the installation of next year's officer team. The evening ended with a video presentation of the year's activities and a special video tribute in memory of Joseph Sidoti, Jr., who passed away during the past year. Advisor Nancy Colgan presented the Sidoti family with a plaque in memory of Joe and shared about the impact that Joe had on those around him. Joe's positive outlook and willingness to live life continue to serve as an encouragement for many. Guests at this year's banquet including members of the Greenville and Tri-Valley FFA chapters. Jennifer Monterisi, a 2003 Warwick graduate currently residing in Tyron, South Carolina, sang the National Anthem accompanied by her mother, Pamela Monterisi on the piano.