Post Messenger Recorder -

The Belleville FFA held their awards banquet on Sunday, March 8th, at Belleville High School. We started with a meal and then moved into the auditorium for our opening ceremony. Rachel welcomed everyone, which was followed by our Section V State FFA Officer, Kaitlyn Owens, who gave a speech about being thankful for our supporters.

The awards portion started with the degree ceremonies. The Greenhand award, for first year members, was given to Tony Boegel, Austin Boegel, Devin Brown, Jessica Deegan, Lydia Eichelkraut, Dalton Fahey, Nick Fahey, Spencer Grindle, Brianna Halverson, Leah Hanna, Taylor Legler, Kristen Lowery, Hailey Matteson, Brooke Nettum and Eric O'Connor. The Star Greenhand awards were given to Brianna Halverson and Leah Hanna for their high level of participation as first year members. Next the Chapter Degree award, for second year members, was given to Derek Bahr, Summer Hollis, Dan Meier, Clarice Loeffelholz, Tony O'Connor, Denise Rankin and Tyler Varney.

Following the degree ceremonies, members were recognized for their participation in our annual holiday sales fundraiser.  Clarice Loeffelholz, Denise Rankin and Adam Laufenberg placed in the top three for sales.

We also recognized the District Speaking contest participants, which included Whitney Brown (discussion meet & extemporaneous speaking), Clarice Loeffelholz (extemporaneous speaking), and Denise Rankin (job interview).  Whitney placed 2nd for the extemporaneous competition and moved on to Sectionals.  

Local Proficiency awards were given out to members as recognition for the hard work they do outside of school for their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs).  Members who applied and received this award included Rachel Elsing for Beef Production, Whitney Brown for Dairy & Diversified Livestock Production, and Denise Rankin for Sheep & Poultry Production.  

Following those awards, members were awarded for their participation and dedication to our local chapter.  These chapter membership awards included Clarice Loeffelholz and Denise Rankin as most active members, the most active officer as Whitney Brown, and the best meeting attendance to Tara Hanna.

The Belleville FFA Alumni also presented scholarships to Rachel Elsing and Whitney Brown.

Lastly, we installed our new 2015-2016 officers which are President Adam Laufenberg, Vice President David Statz, Sentinel Matt Mussehl, Secretary Tara Hanna, Treasurer Clarice Loeffelholz, and Reporter Denise Rankin.

On Saturday, March 14, the Belleville FFA competed in a Janesville district judging contest. The members, who competed in the area of Dairy Products, included Whitney Brown and Denise Rankin.  Members of the livestock team were Leah Hanna, Tara Hanna, Rachel Elsing and Brianna Halverson. Highlights of the results were that Whitney Brown placed 16th individually and the Livestock team placed 10th overall in the contest.  We look forward to going again next year!

On Monday, March 16, FFA members Adam Laufenberg, Rachel Elsing, Whitney Brown and Clarice Loeffelholz attended the Downtown Madison Kiwani's Club meeting in Madison.  The members attended this event with the Kiwani's members and other FFA chapters in the area.  The main event of the luncheon was to recognize the recipients of the Louis M. Sasman award.  This award is given to one member from each FFA chapter in Dane County in recognition of their dedication and interest in agriculture.  Whitney Brown earned this award from the Belleville FFA chapter this year.  Congrats Whitney!