ALPENA — The Alpena FFA held its 53rd award banquet on Friday, May 4 at the Alpena High School Large Commons. This year’s banquet theme was “What’s your Legacy?” Highlights of the banquet included a hog roast dinner, community and member awards, and live and silent auctions to raise funds for future FFA activities. The 2017-18 Alpena FFA officers also presented their retiring addresses and the new 2018-19 officers were officially inducted into office. The “Friends of the Alpena FFA/Alpena FFA Alumni” group also presented awards to current members. These awards included college scholarships which were awarded to senior members Jillian Woodward and Carly Leatzow. Senior Raelyn Szatkowski was also honored for the receiving a $5,000 B.R.I.D.G.E.S. scholarship from the National FFA Organization and Demi Oliver was honored for receiving a $1,000 Built Ford Tough Scholarship sponsored by National FFA and Dean Arbour Ford of Alpena.

Alpena FFA Alumni members Grant and Karen Werth presented two scholarships to current members to attend the Washington Leadership Conference (WLC) this summer. Washington Leadership Conference is held each summer in Washington D.C. and for FFA members nationwide. During the conference FFA members learn valuable leadership skills, meet members from all over the country, have the opportunity to meet with senators and representatives from their district, and bring these skills and experiences back to their chapter. The Werths have been personally funding a scholarship to help send members from the Alpena chapter to WLC for over 20 years. Through their generous donations they have made it possible for over 60 Alpena FFA members to attend WLC. Without these scholarships many members would not be able to attend this conference due to the rising costs. The Werths presented WLC scholarships to current members Kimberly McConnell and Lindsey Hoppe, both will be attending WLC this June.

In addition to the alumni awards, several chapter awards were presented. Community member LeAnn Schultz was recognized for Outstanding Service by Individual and Culver’s of Alpena was recognized for Outstanding Service by a Business or Organization. Top member awards included the chapter star awards. Rosalie Mucciante was awarded the Star Greenhand award for her involvement as a first-year FFA member. Carly Leatzow was awarded the Star in Agriscience for her research projects in the Viticulture industry. Adam Degen was awarded the Star in Agribusiness award for his involvement in several livestock and plant-based enterprises. Lindsey Hoppe was awarded the Star Chapter Farmer award for her diversified livestock projects. Senior Jillian Woodward was awarded the Dekalb Genetics Outstanding Senior award for her outstanding involvement in chapter activities and agricultural projects.