MOSCA — Sangre de Cristo Future Farmers of America (FFA) held its annual banquet on May 15. Members were recognized for outstanding achievement, and members of the community were recognized for their support of the chapter.

Brenton Sierra was awarded as the Outstanding FFA member, Tyler Bartee as the Star Greenhand, Peyton Metz was awarded the DeKalb Agricultural Accomplishment award, and Paul Henry of Alamosa, with the Honorary Chapter FFA Degree.

During the banquet, the 2023-2024 Officer team was installed. New officers for the school year are Haylee Freel as President, Jaiden Shellabarger as Vice President, Jamie Damewood, Secretary, Lawson Culver, Treasurer, Jayden Agenbroad, Reporter, Brenton Sierra as  Sentinel, and Nina Mondragon, Executive Committee

Second-year members were awarded the Chapter Degree. These members met the requirements in their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) and other topics to obtain this degree. Members worked very hard all year to be able to obtain their Chapter Degree. Members who received their Chapter Degree are Jaiden Shellabarger, Haylee Freel, Lawson Culver, and Audrey Howard. First-year member Helen Pulkrabek received her Greenhand degree joining the eight who received this degree in the fall.

The Sangre de Cristo FFA alumni and supporters awarded two scholarships to seniors who will attend a secondary school next fall majoring in an agriculture-related field. Peyton Metz and Rachael Fritz received scholarships and will also be receiving their state FFA degrees in June at the Colorado FFA state convention.

Colorado State FFA Secretary, Ashlyn Rockey attended the banquet and spoke about her experiences and never saw herself as becoming an officer in her chapter let alone a state officer. Rockey told the group to stay focused and don’t drift from your focus, because the second you do, it is very hard to get focused again.

Jayden Agenbroad is the chapter’s FFA reporter.