Alva Review-Courier -

On May 1–3, the Cherokee FFA chapter had the pleasure of going to the 91st annual state FFA convention. Sessions 1, 2 and 3 were a blast with session 1 delegates being Callista Studer and Kacie Eshleman, session 2 delegates being Moriah Leslie and Laynie Golden and session 3 delegates Drake Williams and Noah Leslie.

During session 2, Cherokee FFA was recognized as a One Star Silver Chapter Trust, and also received the FFA Foundation Traveling Eagles Trophy. In addition, Beth Lancaster was recognized for the OK FFA Hunger Challenge with the donation of both her show pigs; Haven Davis donated her show pig as well. Cherokee FFA raised $500 during national FFA week to donate to the Hunger Challenge. The following members helped with the courtesy corps: Kael Tucker, Tristan Miller, Adam Cloyd, Treavor Green, Nic Green and Ethan Meeks.

As we excitedly jumped to Day 2 of the state FFA convention, we were heading to sessions 4, 5 and finally 6. Delegates were Damion Lobato and Rustin James. During session 5, Jade Jantzen was recognized for the completion of Master of Beef Advocacy program and received $150. Also during session 5, Grant Wilber was named state champion in Swine Production Proficiency. Other members who submitted a proficiency at the state level were Jarret James and Matt Lancaster. Also Beth Lancaster and Ms. Blakley had the privilege of joining state Rep. Newton at the Legislative and VIP banquet.

Finally as we rounded out our state convention we had three seniors receive State FFA Degrees (the highest degree our state association can offer). Recipients were Haven Davis, Matt Lancaster and Jarrett James.

Cherokee FFA Banquet

Cherokee FFA members attending state convention are (back row, from left) Adam Cloyd, Ethan Meeks, Kael Tucker, Tristan Miller, Jadin Hall, Drake Williams, Treavor Green; (middle row) Haven Davis, Bridget Wilhite, Haley Hutchison, Moriah Leslie, Macy Goodwin, Sydney Wyatt, Jarrett James, Bethany Lancaster, Kacie Eshleman, Blake Failes, Callista Studer, Laynie Golden; (front row) Nic Green, Ruston James, Jade Jantzen, Damein Lobato and Noah Leslie.

The annual Cherokee FFA award banquet was held May 8. There were 57 members there and numerous guests present. In total, we presented 21 Discovery Degrees, eight Greenhand Degrees and 10 Chapter Degrees, and awarded 21 Proficiency. Star Discovery Degree recipients were Moriah Leslie and Kacie Eshleman. The Star Greenhand Degree was presented to Blake Failes, Star Chapter Farmer was Beth Lancaster and, finally, Star Agribusiness was Sydney Wyatt.

Cherokee FFA had a special "thank you" to our supporters. We recognized our seniors; three of them – Matt Lancaster, Haven Davis and Jarrett James – were selected for the Ray Sharp Memorial Scholarship. Soon following was President Jarrett James' retiring address. Finally the new officers were installed. The 2016-2017 officers include: Sentinel – Blake Failes, Reporter – Kael Tucker, Treasurer – Matt Lancaster, Secretary – Beth Lancaster, Vice President – Sydney Wyatt, President – Jarrett James. The new 2017-2018 Cherokee FFA officer team is Sentinel – Ruston James, Reporter – Callista Studer, Treasurer – Drake Williams, Secretary – Blake Failes, Vice President – Sydney Wyatt, and President – Beth Lancaster.