This past week, the Blanco FFA Chapter hosted an awards luncheon for its members to recognize achievements from the 2007-2008 school year in addition to handing out awards to outstanding individuals.

In the area of animal production and proficiency, awards were given to Keaton Dodd for swine production, Katie Baker for cattle production, Victoria Jones for goat production, Claire Klepac for poultry production, Kaleigh Anderson for diversified production, and Austin Thompson for lamb production.

Also recognized for outstanding performances throughout the year were the outstanding judgers. In range plant identification, Keaton Dodd would be recognized, while Ross McCormick would be named the outstanding wildlife judge. Others receiving awards for judging were: Austin Deshane in land judging, Aaron Thomson in dairy cattle evaluation, Kaleigh Anderson for livestock judging, Grady Childress in meats evaluation, Payton Duvall for leadership development, and Taylor McCormick in entomology.

Finally, the luncheon would come to a conclusion with the announcement of the star awards. The Star Greenhand award would go to freshman Mindy Dechert, while the Star Chapter award would go to Kaleigh Anderson and Keaton Dodd. Juniors Victoria Jones and Katie Baker would be recognized as the Star Lone Star award winners, while senior Alisa Guler would receive the honor of being named this year’s DeKalb recipient which is given annually to the most outstanding agricultural science student. A final presentation would be made to senior Carrie Lockwood for being this year’s FFA Sweetheart and homecoming representative.

Many of these same students will now begin preparations for the upcoming State FFA Degree Check in Stephenville, while also making plans to attend the State FFA Convention in Lubbock.