GRANTS, NM – The Grants FFA branch held their first annual FFA awards banquet on May 11, FFA Grants Chapter Advisors Amador Gonzales and Aaron Sarracino gave out awards to various chapter members, new FFA Grants Officers were announced and installed for the 2024-2025 School Year, sponsors and Supporters were also acknowledged at the awards banquet and five individuals were awarded honorary degrees.
Three of the awards announced included the Discovery Degree, the Greenhand Degree and the Chapter Degree. Advisors Gonzales and Sarracino gave out these awards to multiple FFA Chapter members. Four FFA members received the Discovery Degree, Makayla Chavez, Harry Lee, Melody McDaugale, and Ethan Metzger. Seven FFA members received the Greenhand Degree, Mya Delgarito, Gabriel Garcia, Jadyn Garcia, Sophia Larry, Jordan Naef, Jewels Pradt, and Riko Valencia. Six FFA members received the Chapter Degree, Karyssa Cook, Clemente Garcia, Shianna Lewis, Shelbie Martinez, Tonee Slockish, Brandon Small.
Finalists were announced for the Star Discovery, Star Greenhand and Star Farmer awards. Those that went above and beyond for the FFA program were awarded these Star awards. The FFA member awarded the Star Discovery was Harry Lee. The FFA member awarded the Star Greenhand award was Riko Valencia. The FFA member that was awarded the Star Farmer award was Shelbie Martinez. Also announced at the FFA Awards Banquet was the winner of the DEKALB Ag Accomplishment Award which was Shelbie Martinez.
Five individuals were awarded Honorary Degrees for their work with assisting the FFA Chapter. Mrs. Stevy Elkins, Mr. and Mrs. Marty and Alicia Martinez, Ms. Tasla Martinez, and Mr. Lane Widner. The Grants FFA Chapter also recognized sponsors and supporters of the FFA Chapter during the 2023-2024 school year. The sponsors and supported recognized are the following: Brenda Ahlheim, Representative Eliseo Alcon, Miranda Barajas, Timo and Trish Barajas, Bi-County Fair Board, Heidi Bohannon, Michael and Shary Casados, Katrina Carpenter, Cibola Citizen, Dawn Cook and Brent Braithwaite, LeAndra Curley, Diamond G, Lydia Gonzales, Grants Chamber of Commerce, Grants-Cibola County Schools, Chase Elkins, Jeremy Hocker, Reyes Jaramillo, Melvin and Gwen Jaramillo, Jenny’s Dress Store, Harry and Francie Lee, Penni Lovesee, Tony Mace and Valarie Baldonado, Carlos and Olivia Nevarez, Pizza 9, Melissa Salazar, Rana Sanchez, Tanna Sarracino, Kevin and Smantha Small, The Flower Shop, Tractor Supply Company, Bev Trujillo, Brenda Trujillo, Cheyenne Trujillo, and Chanda Turley.
With the graduation of this year’s senior class of 2024 three FFA members retired their jackets for their senior year. Tonee Slockish, Jordan Naef and Shelbie Martinez all retired their jackets signifying the end of their time with the Grants FFA Chapter. These three members also dedicated some time recognizing their parents and also leaving the remaining FFA Chapter members with some words of wisdom.
New FFA Chapter Officers were announced and installed for the 2024-2025 school year. The nominating Committee consisting of Ronald Gonzales, Chelci Metzger, and Michael Nguyen nominated and choose the new FFA Chapter Officers following an interview process and evaluation of all candidates. The next FFA Chapter President is Riko Valencia and Vice President is Karyssa Cook. The next FFA Chapter Secretary is Mya Delgarito and Treasurer is Sophia Larry. The next FFA Chapter Reporter is Clemente Garcia and Sentinel is Jewels Pradt, and the next Student Advisor is Jadyn Garcia. These new FFA officers were installed following the announcement. Advisor Gonzales said, “I now declare each of you properly and duly installed to the offices which you are elected. May your year of service be marked by integrity, dedication, and a cooperative spirit. Seek harmony among your fellow officers and set high standards of leadership for all chapter members. Riko you and your new teammates have a job of leading our chapter into the future. Just remember that leadership is not a title, but a responsibility. It is my honor to pass the mantle of leadership to you and I sincerely hope that you will lead our chapter with grace and humility. Congratulations.”
The new FFA Chapter Officers are excited and ready for the next school year. Many of the officers said that being an officer brings you closer to not only the other officers but the entire FFA program. Being an officer also gives them the opportunity to lead other members, teach them what FFA is about and brings the FFA members to higher standards.