On Friday, May 6, the Brush FFA Chapter held its end-of-the-year Blue and Gold Banquet recognizing the accomplishments of its members throughout the school year and thanking its many community supporters.

The banquet began with the introduction of Advisor Corie McDonald and the 2021-22 officers: Sentinel Rozilyn Sheppard, Reporter Kylie Jones, Treasurer Bryce Kendrick, Secretary Delaney Draegert, Vice President Harley Holdren and President Tysen McDonald.

“This evening we will look back over the past year and acknowledge members of our chapter and our community who go above and beyond to help the chapter succeed. We will award members with FFA degrees, present awards for achievements throughout the year, install new officers and allow our seniors to say goodbye to the chapter for the final time,” McDonald said. “Throughout this past year, our chapter has reached new heights and raised the bar for years to come. Our members have excelled in individual and team events, learned about the agriculture industry and made countless memories along the way. Tonight will be a mark of accomplishments, appreciation and new beginnings for our chapter.”

Officers specifically thanked the Brush School District Re-2J, members of the community and families for their contributions to and support of the FFA chapter. In between awards, each officer gave his or her retiring address.

A common theme among the addresses was how quickly time seems to pass. Officers shared a great appreciation for their advisors, teachers, families, friends and FFA as a whole. They also made sure to pass along advice to younger or aspiring FFA members.

“To younger FFA members, I encourage you to take this opportunity and run with it because you will never get these memories back. Spend time, take a trip (with) and hang out with those you love. If you want to chase a dream, chase it. Because one day soon, you’ll look back and realize these are some of the best days of your life. Cherish every moment because you’ll blink, and you’ll be standing behind this podium giving your retiring address just as I am. I’d give a million dollars to be back in your shoes,” said Kendrick.

Sheppard said, “These four years have gone by fast… The concept of time is quite scary but beautiful. You get each moment only once and every second of your life is different and unique, no matter how boring or repetitive each day seems. All things come to an end and yet it’s crazy to me that I am standing here wearing my blue corduroy jacket for one of the last times… Enjoy every second and make it count, whether it is working hard towards a goal or just enjoying the people around you.”

Awards continued to be handed out throughout the evening.

Twenty-eight students, who aspire to enter into a future career in the field of agriculture, were awarded with Greenhand FFA Degrees. Two students, Samuel Thomas-Poss and Kodi Holdren, were presented with Star Greenhand awards.

Chapter FFA Degrees were presented to 21 students, with Max Curtis and Ceri Dixon being named as the 2021-22 Star Farmers.

State FFA Degrees were presented to five students: Rhett Curtis, Harley Holdren, Tysen McDonald, Katelynn Ortega and Rozilyn Sheppard. Curtis (bronze in the diversified crop production category) and McDonald (bronze in the swine entrepreneurship category) were also recognized for earning state-level proficiency awards.

Outstanding junior awards were presented to Marschal Queen and Delaney Draegert. Outstanding senior awards were presented to Tysen McDonald and Rozilyn Sheppard.

Five community members where presented with honorary degrees to the Brush FFA Chapter for their continued support.

The Blue and Gold Spirit Award was given to Tysen McDonald.

For each class, one student was chosen to receive the Most Improved award. Freshman Kalli Kortkamp, sophomore Alyssa Eskew, junior Dylan Martin and senior Bryce Kendrick were each named the most improved in their respective classes.

The Most Dedicated awards went to Rhett Curtis and Delaney Draegert.

Other awards and recognitions given to students included: public speaking awards, Leadership Development (LDE) Teams, Career Development (CDE) Teams, Senior and Parent recognitions.

Zach Daughenbaugh, an FFA member who passed away in May 2021, was honored posthumously by the FFA seniors. At the end of the ceremony, his jacket was hung on the coat rack alongside his peers’ jackets in his memory.