OSMOND — The annual Osmond FFA Awards Banquet was held on Friday, April 26, despite a slight delay because of the dangerous weather conditions earlier in the evening. More than 40 FFA members, parents, and guests gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the chapter and its members.
The evening started with a brisket meal catered by Tinker’s of Pierce. After the meal, opening ceremonies were held and the degree ceremonies commenced.
The FFA has five membership degrees its members can achieve: the Discovery Degree for junior high members of the organization, the Greenhand Degree for new first- year members, the Chapter Degree awarded by the chapter for eligible members after their first year, the State Degree awarded by the Nebraska State FFA Association for a few members who earn the degree, and theAmerican Degree awarded by the National FFA for a few members nationwide that earn the degree.
Students earning their Discovery Degrees included Dawson Gansebom, Nickolas Kumm, Korrine Moes, Adyson Poellot, Aidan Stech, and Easton Steinkraus.
Those who achieved their Greenhand Degrees included Alexa Aschoff, Carson Bolz, Keely Gubbels, Baylen Guenther, Deanna Kumm,Ava Severson, Owen Severson, Ashlyn Spangler, Caleb Vinson, and Addi von Rentzell.
Chapter Degree recipients included Hunter Buchanan, Ava Reikofski, and Diana Scott. The lone State Degree recipient this year was Cody Gansebom. Finally, the American Degree recipients were Mason Gansebom and Ryan Schmit.
Honorary Chapter Membership was conferred upon Justin Koehler for going above and beyond in assisting the FFA Chapter with its FFA plot and for initiating the formation of the Osmond FFA Alumni and Supporters Group.
The DEKALB Agricultural Accomplishment Award is awarded to one FFA student per chapter who ex- emplifies scholarship, commitment, work ethic and passion for pursuing a career in agriculture. These students demonstrate promising young talent and are the rising stars of agriculture.
Students must be high school seniors and can be nominated to receive this award by their FFA advisors. This year Osmond FFA’s DEKALB Agricultural Accomplishment Award was presented to Matthew Alderson.
All of the awards and ribbons earned during the year were handed out and the night ended with the installation of the 2024-25 officer team. The new officers include president, Ava Reikofski; vice president, Keely Gubbels; secretary, Korrine Moes; treasurer, Easton Steinkraus; reporter, Ashlyn Spangler, and sentinel, Deanna Kumm.
Osmond FFA Advisor Jessica Evans commented, “The hard work and dedication of our students continues to amaze me. Their achievements, both in the classroom and through their FFA activities, are a testament to their commitment to excellence and the invaluable skills they are developing for their futures. I can’t wait to see what this group will accomplish next year.”
