Chatfield Chapter Banquet

Wednesday, May 14th was the 9th annual Chatfield FFA Chapter Banquet! I was thrilled to again have the opportunity to attend their banquet. I was fortunate enough to go to their banquet last year as a region president along with past state Reporter Abbie Wirt. I left impressed, once again!

At first when I got to Chatfield I was introduced to a member of the Farm Bureau, Ruth. Ruth and I were able to chat for quite some time. She told me about the contributions that the Chatfield FFA had made to the project called "Fencing for Flooded Farmers" after the August flood in Southeastern Minnesota. Chatfield raised $7,000 (WOW!) on their annual corn drive and put somewhere near $5,000 - $6,000 towards the Fencing for Flooded Farmers project. Now the Farm Bureau had made a goal to raise $5,000 on the project alone, but the Chatfield FFA surpassed that with one contribution! Now is that practicing service or what?!

As we started Supper I was able to sit with the Junior officer team. They were all excited for the banquet as well as nervous for the officer slate for 2008 - 2009 to be announced! One person, Tyler, who was serving as the Chatfield FFA Jr. President was very excited. I learned about his experience in the State FFA Band! I got to see some pictures of him playing on the Chapter slide show too! Way to go Tyler! Katie Winslow, who is my neighbor was awarded the Star Greenhand Degree! Boy was she ever excited! I'm hoping to see some of these familiar faces at state camps this coming year!

As I listened to Ms. Fritz, the advisor, give comments, I found myself quite excited for the members of the chapter! They had 7 teams that competed at state this year! Another exciting part of the banquet was learning about the chartering Alumni Chapter in Chatfield. I was amazed to see over 20 people stand up to be recognized as part of the new Alumni Chapter.

As the new officers were announced the seniors gathered. They watched as a slide show played and they remembered their years in FFA. They were all successful and will continue to be!



A quick note to the Chatfield FFA Chapter! What an amazing job you have all done this year! I was so proud to know that this chapter was from Region VIII! I'm looking forward to seeing all of you members out and about at FFA events! Don't forget to try new things, you'll never know what opportunities may arise! Good luck in all your endeavors!

Stationed by the Rising Sun,
Derek