JEROMESVILLE — On April 12, the Hillsdale FFA hosted their annual FFA Banquet to recognize the hard work, dedication, and accomplishments of members throughout the year.
Family, friends, teachers, and community supporters gathered together to celebrate the success of the chapter and honor students for their achievements in leadership, academics, and agriculture.
The evening began with the presentation of degrees and special awards. Sophia Tipton received her Star Greenhand Degree, while Reed Twining earned his Star Chapter Degree.
Outstanding Members were recognized in each grade level.
Freshman recipients included Troy Weber, Addi Weidrick, and Reid Coleman. Jacob Schwendeman was recognized as the Sophomore Outstanding Member, while Maci Atterholt and Michael Shenberger III were honored as Junior Outstanding Members. Emma Linder received the Senior Outstanding Member Award.
Fruit sales awards were also presented during the banquet. Reed Twining earned first place, Landen Timms received second place, and Maci Atterhold placed third. Twila Robbins was recognized with the Honorary Degree for her continued support and dedication to the chapter. Ryan and Renee Twining received the Distinguished Service Award for their contributions and support of the FFA program.
Several students were recognized with scholarship awards in agriculture classes. Maci Atterhold earned the Mechanical Principles scholarship award. Megan Cowger and Addi Weidrick received the AFNR scholarship award. Carmen Gentry, Connor Nethero, and Blake Schwan were recognized for Global Perspective, while Cameron Sweet received the Greenhouse Management scholarship award.
Additional scholarship awards included Animal Health recipients Jillian Cowger and Hunter Hickey, Livestock Management recipients Paelyn Wilson, and Capstone recipients Owen Sloan and Reed Twining.
The banquet also highlighted Alumni Awards and record book accomplishments. Laney Meek received the AFNR Record Book award, Wyiatt Hynek earned the Capstone Record Book award, and Maci Atterholt received the Mechanical Principles Record Book award. Reed Twining earned the Global Perspective Record Book, Addison Young received the Greenhouse Management Record Book, Hunter Hickey earned the Animal Health Record Book, and Paelyn Wilson earned the Livestock Management Record Book award.
Contest results from throughout the year were recognized as well.
The General Livestock team earned fifth place and included Peighton Thomas, Carston Stephens, Maci Atterhold, and Haleigh Stephens. The Ag Power Diagnostics team earned fourth place with members Reed Twining and Wyiatt Hynek. The Ag Sales team placed fifth with members Jacob Schwendeman, Cooper Baker, Jillian Cowger, and Nick Wiltrout. The Agronomy team earned third place and included Reed Twining, Wyiatt Hynek, Hunter Hickey, and Aiden Hoffman.
The Nursery Landscape team earned second place with members Reed Twining, Troy Weber, Aiden Justice, and Cameron Sweet.
Members who received their State Degrees were recognized during the banquet. Those honored included Maci Atterholt, Jillian Cowger, Hunter Hickey, Valerie Raubenolt, Cameron Sweet, Addi Tipton, and Baylee Weber. American Degree recipients recognized were Ava Bolen, Rodalyn Mast, Haleigh Stephens, Peighton Thomas, and Rosalynne Weekley.
The chapter also celebrated members receiving their American Degree at the 2025 National Convention, including Seth Crytzer, Owen Hoffman, and Braydon Rakovec. Belle Linder and Valerie Raubenolt were recognized for participating in the 2026 State FFA Convention band and talent show.
As the banquet came to a close, the chapter gathered for one final and highly anticipated moment of the evening — the announcement of the new officer team.
One by one, the names were revealed, building excitement throughout the room. Cooper Baker was announced as Student Advisor, followed by Addi Weidrick as Chaplain and Derek Coleman as Sentinel. Addi Young will serve as Treasurer, Sophia Tipton as Reporter, Laney Meek as Secretary, and Jacob Schwendeman as Vice President.
Finally after a pause filled with anticipation, Belle Linder was announced as the 2026-2027 President. The evening ended with applause and excitement as the newly elected officers prepared to lead the chapter into another successful year.