Tyrone Area FFA chapter held its much-anticipated awards night on April 10, 2025, recognizing the hard work of its members and supporters throughout the 2024-2025 academic year. The event culminated a year filled with numerous accomplishments, made possible through teamwork and community support.
Planning for the awards night began at the start of the school year, as students eagerly prepared for this highlight of the year.
Junior member Alyssa Houck shared her thoughts on the significance of the event, stating, “I love attending the awards night. It makes me feel a sense of accomplishment for our chapter as well as myself.”
The evening featured various awards, including FFA degrees, community service awards, and recognition for supporters, such as the Honorary FFA Degree. Each FFA degree represents a member’s journey and achievements, starting from the Greenhand degree to the prestigious American degree.
This year, 22 Greenhand Degrees, 16 Chapter Degrees, 17 BBF Degrees were presented with 6 American Degrees recognized who will receive their degrees in Indianapolis at the National FFA Convention.
Greenhand Degree Recipients: Jayden Albright, Camden Behrer, Kadence Berry, Angel Bertram, Jason Brownson, Emily Christofer, Izaac Christy, Colt Cornell, Zoe Dell, Cortez Eades, Colten Frye, Sam Golden, Ryleigh Holmes, Eli Hunter, Emanuel Luebbert, Alexis Martinez, Diego Montiel Bonilla, Adam Ray, Alex Sklenar, Evin Soellner, Pyper Sparklin, and Eva Wicker
Chapter Degree Recipients: Kayden Ansman, Aubrey Biter, Chase Carothers, John Eaken, Cassidy Fleck, Gabby Dean, Josie Dicken, Riley Harpster, Abigail Keyser, Kaylee Little, Abby Lucas, Kaitlyn Rockwell, Wyatt Walls, Isaac Weaver, Taylor Wrye, and Grace Zimmerman
BBF Degree Recipients: Caleb Biter, Janice Gilliland, Gracie Graham, Logan Harpster, Nevaeh Hollabaugh, Alyssa Houck, Paige Hoy, Nora Hoy, Madisen Jones, Trace Lingafelt, Carlie Nowlin, Reilly Rawlings, Catherine Sklenar, Sarah Weakland, Frances Weaver, Bailey Woomer, and Sarah Zimmerman
American Degree Recipients: Hailey Houck, Leo Veit, Grace Peterson, Remington Weaver, Rayann Walls, and Randi Williams
Star degrees were awarded to two Greenhand degree recipients and three Chapter degree recipients. Ryleigh Holmes received the Production Agriculture Star, while Jayden Albright was awarded the Non-Production Agriculture Star. The Star Chapter degrees, recognizing excellence in Supervised Agricultural Experiences, went to Cassidy Fleck (Star Agriscience), Taylor Wrye (Star Farmer), and Wyatt Walls (Star Placement).
Janice Gilliland was named the top salesperson of the year, highlighting the importance of fundraising for the chapter’s self-sufficiency.
Students presented detailed descriptions of their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE), covering various project types. All members completed their descriptions and SMART goals, with pins awarded for gold, silver, and bronze categories in record keeping. Special Thanks to the PA FFA Alumni for awarding the Tyrone Area FFA Chapter with a $500 to recognize members with record-keeping skills and special awards.
Sophomore Isaac Weaver noted, “I get to hang out with my friends at awards night, and also, my SAEs give me something to do after school. I have put a lot of time and effort into my projects and plan to continue with them in the coming years.”
Gold Award Recipients: Jayden Albright, Camden Behrer, Colten Frye, Ryleigh Holmes, Alex Sklenar, Aubrey Biter, John Eaken, Cassidy Fleck, Wyatt Walls, Taylor Wrye, Nevaeh Hollabaugh, Alyssa Houck, Nora Hoy, Carlie Nowlin, Frances Weaver, Bailey Woomer, and Sarah Zimmerman
Silver Award Recipients: Jason Brownson, Emanuel Luebbert, Evin Soellner, Josie Dicken, Janice Gilliland, Paige Hoy, Madisen Jones, Kayden Ansman, and Pyper Sparklin
Bronze Award Recipients: Kadence Berry, Colt Cornell, Cortez Eades, Sam Golden, Eli Hunter, Alexis Martinez, Abigail Keyser, Isaac Weaver, Caleb Biter, Gracie Graham, Reilly Rawlings, and Catherine Sklenar
Honorary degrees were awarded to Mr. Foor and Mr. Packer for their exceptional support of the chapter. Mr. Foor, an industrial arts and technology teacher, expressed his pride in witnessing students’ growth and collaboration.
Community service was a focal point, with all 60 in-school members completing over 1273 hours of documented service. The following students received awards for their community service efforts: Josie Dicken, Cassidy Fleck, Nora Hoy, Carlie Nowlin, Paige Hoy, Nevaeh Hollabaugh, Frances Weaver, Bailey Woomer, Wyatt Walls, and Emanuel Luebbert
Nora Hoy emerged as the chapter member with the highest total of 122 community service hours.
The chapter seniors received special recognitions that will be a cherished part of their graduation ceremony. Each senior was presented a sash symbolizing their achievements, with Mrs. Hoy,
Tyrone Area FFA Advisor, personally presented these pressed sashes to each graduate as representatives of our “FFAmily”.
The yellow sashes signify completion of the NOCTI testing, indicating that these students have successfully completed 50% or more of our programs. The following students proudly wore the yellow sashes: Nora Hoy, Sarah Zimmerman, and Logan Harpster.
Additionally, the blue sashes are awarded to students who have made significant contributions to our Agricultural Education Program, despite joining later in their educational journey. The recipients of the blue sashes are: Caleb Biter, Chase Carothers, Nevaeh Hollabaugh, and Trace Lingafelt
Two special senior awards were presented and their names will be added to the rotational plaques.
Denise Shawver Memorial Award for Dedication, Loyalty, and the Pursuit of Excellence was presented to Nora Hoy
Angie Romano Memorial Award for the Love of Animals was presented to Nevaeh Hollabaugh
The Tyrone Area FFA chapter continues to thrive, thanks to the dedication of its members and the unwavering support of the community.
