The Blanco FFA Chapter concluded another successful school year with the annual FFA Awards Banquet held at the high school cafeteria. Overall, the local FFA chapter sent eight teams to state while winning three area titles and seven district championships. In addition, the Blanco FFA also won a Reserve National Championship while having numerous students win individual honors in leadership and judging events, as well as placing numerous animals at major livestock shows across the state and earning almost $70,000 in scholarships.

Students who were recognized at this year’s banquet included: Outstanding Judging Awards: Range – Mindy Dechert, Land – Lauren Winn, Livestock – Kylie Leachman, Dairy – Elise Edmondson, Horse – Alley Penshorn, Entomology – Grady Childress, Environmental Natural Resources – Ecce Bradfute and Leadership – Callie Culton. Proficiency Awards: Outstanding Shop Student – John Hodge, Beef Production – Kylie Leachman, Swine Production – Cody Perez, Sheep Production – Trevor Hardin, Goat Production – Lauren Winn and Diversified Livestock Production – Joanna Delavan.

Another award highlighting the night included the Honorary Chapter Award given to BHS Principal Dustin Barton. Mr. Barton will also be honored on the district, area and state level for his commitment and support of the FFA.

Finally, the evening concluded with the Star Awards, honoring the outstanding FFA member in each class. From the freshmen class, Star Greenhand went to RanceDollahite. Callie Culton received the Star Chapter Award for outstanding sophomore. Junior Alex Gustafson received the Star Lone Star Award and Kylie Leachman concluded her FFA career receiving the Dekalb Award given to the outstanding senior FFA member.

Blanco FFA Officers for the 2010-2011 school year included President Alex Gustafson, Vice-President Sam Isenberg, Secretary Grady Childress, Treasurer Ed Alvarado, Reporter Mindy Dechert, Sentinel Kylie Leachman, Student Advisor Payton Duvall and FFA Sweetheart Lauren Winn.