Agri-Science Students Reap Rewards

Nearly a week after Ledyard High School held its annual awards assembly, a second gathering took place. This one was noticeably different from the first. The crowd was much smaller, and blue and yellow Future Farmers of America jackets stood out among the students. Country music played in the auditorium as guests arrived, and the evening began with the FFA’s official opening ceremony.

But the goal was the same: to reward students for their hard work. Held Wednesday in the high school auditorium, this separate awards assembly was for the FFA and the Agri-Science department to recognize student achievements.

“It’s always been done that way (as a separate ceremony),” said Agri-Science teacher Shelly Roy. “That’s a traditional way the Ag programs recognize achievement… We can kind of focus in on specific kinds of achievements.”

The overwhelming theme in these awards was getting things done. Assistant Principal Amanda Fagan gave a short speech praising the Agri-Science students’ involvement, both in school and out.

“I don’t know these kids from my office,” she said, “But I know them. I know them not only because they distinguish themselves in the halls, but in the community… When I think of who all these Colonels are and what all these Colonels do, it fills me with pride anew that I am myself a Colonel.”

Mayor Fred B. Allyn Jr. also recognized the FFA members’ eagerness to volunteer. “Our town wouldn’t run without volunteers. Your organization wouldn’t run without volunteers,” he said. “Service is the best part of life.”

Willingness to work was a theme for many of the individual awards as well. The emphasis for much of the evening was on activity. Some students were recognized for participation in the FFA’s Career Development events, contests let students apply their skills. Others received praise for their interdependent agriculture-related projects. Still more were praised for their willingness to help out at the school.

Praise was not reserved for students only. The FFA officers who conducted the ceremony thanked their adult helpers as well. Among these were the BOOSTERS, a group of parents and alumni that help the school, and the faculty and staff.

Special helpers were made honorary members of the FFA.  One of these was Kristiana Janacek. She graduated from Ledyard High School in 2007 and has received a degree in Equine Business Management from Mooresville College in New York. She is now using her knowledge to help students throughout the Agri-Science department.