KELSEYVILLE >> The “Official FFA ceremonies are a source of pride, identity and tradition among FFA members and chapters. Ceremonies emphasize the purpose of meetings, the duties of officers and the significance of recognition given to individuals” as stated by the Official FFA Manual.
On November 6, 2017 over 120 Kelseyville FFA members participated in the local FFA Chapter Opening Ceremonies competition. The teams consist of six members representing the President, Vice President, Secretary, Reporter, Treasurer, and Sentinel officer positions. Students memorize their designated part in the ceremonies and then present it as a team in front of judges.
In the open division there were 18 teams judged by Principal Matt Cockerton, and KUSD distict employees Carrie Lauenroth and Sheri Knight. The students were judged based on memorization, voice, poise and overall team impression. The outstanding individual officer winners included President Kara Vartabedian, Vice President Tyler Vanderwall, Secretary Madeline Jimenez, Reporter Alicia Castellanos, Treasurer Morgan Riley, and Sentinel Bailey Couey. The first place team was President Bella Schlange, Vice President Bailey Huggins, Secretary Dylan McAdon, Reporter Laurel Weller, Treasurer Elianna Sherman, and Sentinel Cameron Smith.
Eight teams competed in the novice division judged by Kelseyville High School instructors Laurie Loumena, Aaron Bailey and Katie Daitoku. Outstanding individual officers were President Bella Schlange, Vice President Olivia Dobusch, Secretary Frank Sentell, Reporter Kaley O’Boyle, Treasurer Jenna Williams, and Sentinel Julia Vartabedian. The first place team in the novice division included President Carson Mayo, Vice President Olivia Dobusch, Secretary Mikayla Guistolise, Reporter Kaley O’Boyle, Treasurer Emily Riewerts and Sentinel Ariana Garcia.
The FFA opening and closing ceremonies were developed by Henry Groseclose or the “Father of the FFA.” In 1925 he and two other agriculture instructors formed the FFV or First Families of Virginia. In 1928 the FFV became a nationwide organization that is known today as the National FFA Organization. The FFA adopted Mr. Groseclose’s formal ceremonies which are used at all chapter, section, region, state and national FFA meetings.
Today FFA is among the largest youth organization in the United States, with 649,355 members in 7,859 chapters throughout all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. FFA is the largest of the career and technical student organizations in U.S. schools.
Donelle McCallister serves as Kelseyville FFA Advisor
