REEDSVILLE — The Big Valley FFA chapter held its annual FFA banquet on May 2 at the Reedsville Fire Hall with 194 parents, families and supporters in attendance.

The event was held to celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of the Big Valley FFA chapter over the past school year. The meal was donated by the Wilson family, with pork donated by Rick Keiser of Keiser’s Custom Butcher Shop in McClure.

During the program, every member was recognized for their efforts and accomplishments throughout the school year, and awards were presented to members. The Star Greenhand Award recipient was Phoebe Keiser, Star Chapter Award recipient was Marlee Basom and the Star Keystone recipient was Savannah Oden.

The chapter awarded three community members and organizations with the Honorary Chapter FFA Degree. Recipients were Cody McElwain, Josh and Heather Snook and Hammer’s All Stars.

In addition to the Star Awards, there were also special awards given to members. The Rising Star recipient was Abbie Fitzgerald, Mentorship Award recipient was Sean Gutshall, the Dedication Award recipient was Montana McKee and the Leadership Award recipient was Alivia Snook.

Graduated member Alexis Casner was recognized by the 2024-2025 State FFA Treasurer, Emily Kerstetter, for earning the American FFA Degree, which she will receive at the National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, Ind., this October.

“This year we had some really dedicated members and seniors that deserved recognition for the work they have put in. I am so proud of them and the passion they have in making our chapter the best it can be for everyone,” Nicolette Cusate, Big Valley FFA advisor and agricultural science instructor, said.

Among that work was a combined 206 hours of community service, two overnight trips, three state conventions and conferences, 939 miles traveled, and a total of nearly 3,900 hours working on their supervised agricultural experiences, which are the projects students do outside of school to reinforce concepts learned in the classroom.

At the end of the banquet, the 2025 — 2026 Big Valley officer team was elected to serve as the student leaders for the upcoming school year. They went through an application process and interview to serve in their new roles. Lily Breon, a senior next year, was elected to serve as chapter president.

Four other members were elected into leadership positions, rising juniors Abbie Fitzgerald as vice president, Sebastian Kauffman as reporter, and Lillian Seaholtz as secretary; and rising senior Sean Gutshall as treasurer.