The Fayette FFA chapter presented awards and recognized student achievements during its annual banquet last Tuesday evening, May 20.

An emotional moment was the posthumous awarding of the Honorary FFA Degree to Will Beaman, who passed away on February 13, 2023, at the age of 19, following a two-year battle with cancer. His parents, Mitch and Darlene Beaman accepted the award on his behalf.

FFA Supervisor Doug Chambers extended special thanks to Fayette High School principal Jason Hannam, along with Foodservice Director Paula Volkmann and her staff, Colleen Wies, Collette Thies, and Tamila Beeler,

Greenhand Degrees were awarded to David Michael Barber, Mason Bartlett, Morgen Campbell, Adin Goyer, Emma Hagerman, Hunter Hampton, Kyleigh Hart, Cooper Himmelberg, James Hogg, Cheyenne Johnston, Haden Kepner, Ayden Mullanix, Bentley Roberts, Kadence Sulltrop, Ely Wies, and Hayden Wies.

Sulltrop was also named Star Greenhand and received BTC Bank’s Supervised Agriculture Experience Cash Award.

Chapter Degree Recipients included Whitlee Allphin, Ledgyr Conrow, Kyler Dodson, Cooper Duren, Justin Felten, Sida Gregory, Gracie Innes, Sierra Milburn, Isaiah Monckton, Walker Nation, Chloe Palmer, Patton Shaon, Adley Spurgeon, Chloe Sutton, Jackson Sutton, Brodi Tucker, Brooklynn Wies, and Molly Wies.

Melissa Innes received the prestigious State FFA Degree, the highest honor the Missouri FFA Association can bestow on a student member.

In recognition of fundraising efforts, Mollie Wies was honored as top fruit salesperson, and Adley Spurgeon led mum sales. Senior participants Zack Hart, Emmitt Schachtele, and Melissa Innes were awarded FFA Labor Auction Scholarships.

In the Leadership Development category, Molly Wies earned third place in the Missouri Cattleman’s Speech at the Area level and competed at districts. Melissa Innes also represented the chapter in the Missouri Farmer/Young Farm Wives competition.

Several students were recognized for their efforts in Career and Leadership Development Events. They were Hannah Jankowski, Sida Gregory, Kinzy Morrow, and Audree Hagerman (horse judging); Molly Wies, Kadence Sulltrop, Cooper Himmelberg, Adley Spurgeon, Emma Hagerman, Mariah Felten, Audree Hagerman, Brooklyn Wies, Sida Gregory, and Leah Thies (livestock judging); Melissa Innes, Cooper Himmelburg, Kaden Sulltrop, and Molly Wies (dairy cattle); and Patton Shaon, Chloe Palmer, Gracie Innes, and Chloe Sutton (poultry).

Hannah Jankowski, Sida Gregory, Molly Wies, Kadence Sulltrop, Cooper Himmelberg, Adley Spurgeon, Emma Hagerman, Mariah Felten, Melissa Innes, Patton Shaon, Chloe Palmer, and Gracie Innes received an Industry Recognized Credential Certificate in their respective area from Missouri Farm Bureau presented by Chris Rohlfing, Howard County Farm Bureau, Board President.

The trap shooting team was recognized, with participants including Ledgyr Conrow, Parker LaValley, Cooper Himmelberg, Izak Van Niekerk, Jaron Cross, Charles Alexander, James Hogg, Kylie Wells, Cooper Duren, Zack Hart, and Emmitt Schachtele.

The banquet also marked a change in student leadership. Outgoing President Melissa Innes and senior officers Zackary Hart (VP), Kylie Wells (2nd VP), Gracie Innes (Secretary), Sierra Milburn (Treasurer), Bailey Simpson (Reporter), Leah Thies (Sentinel), Molly Wies (Historian), Audree Hagerman (Chaplain), and Sida Gregory (Parliamentarian), were honored for their service.

The incoming officers for next year are President Molly Wies, Vice President Audree Hagerman, Secretary Gracie Innes, Treasurer Leah Thies, Reporter Kadence Sulltrop, and Sentinel Chloe Palmer.

The chapter also welcomed Mrs. Carly Lyon as the new Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor for the 2025–2026 school year.

In a message of gratitude, Reporter Leah Thies and Advisor Doug Chambers thanked the many individuals, families, and organizations who make Fayette FFA possible. “We know that we must have the support of our parents and community to be a great FFA chapter,” the message read. “From fundraising to mentoring, your support has made us stronger.”

The chapter expressed special appreciation to long-time supporter George Frink, as well as Charlie Joe Flaspohler and Brent Voorhies, for organizing the annual auction. Community members interested in joining the newly formed Fayette FFA Boosters are encouraged to contact Amber Overfelt at aboverfelt@gmail.com or Doug Chambers at (573) 356-1464.