Waitsburg FFA Awards Banquet

WAITSBURG — The annual Waitsburg FFA awards banquet was held on Thursday, May 28, in the Waitsburg Elementary Multi-purpose room. Advisor Nicole Abel was joined by officers President Sarah Daves, Vice-president Makayla Mikesell, Secretary Sara Wilson, Treasurer Olivia Duncan, Reporter Emerson Underwood, and Sentinel Makaelyn Mikesell.

Following introductions, the 2025/26 officers conducted the opening ceremony, which was followed by the FFA President’s speech. Then the FFA Vice President expressed appreciation to the parents, community, and businesses for their support.

Sara Wilson was awarded the Danforth Farms Scholarship for $2,000. It was announced that the scholarship will be increased to $2,500 next year.

A slideshow of this year’s FFA events was presented before the installation of the 2026/2027 officers.

The FFA members were recognized for their work, including on the Vet Science and Ag Mechanics teams, as first-year members, skills and procedures, food processing and technology, FFA degrees, and parliamentary procedure.

The FFA officers applied for the National Chapter Award, however the entire chapter worked to earn the award. Waitsburg is a Superior Chapter and a State Gold National Chapter.

FFA Pride recognition went to Gavin Mikesell as Most Valuable, Katy Allen as Most Inspirational Most Active Officer – Sara Wilson as Most Active Officer, Carter Barron was named Most Active Member and Most Community Service Hours. Chapter Scholastic Achievement with 4.0 GPA recognition went to Carter Barron, Liam Kiefel, Olivia Kiefel, Kayla Kuykendall, Rollin Carpenter, Sara Wilson, and Brenton Segraves.

Senior recognition: Tyler Coulston, Sarah Daves, Koyen Fortune, Tucker Hamilton and Sara Wilson.

Andy Winnett was made an Honorary FFA Member.

The FFA Alumni and Supporters Chapter was recognized for providing a helping hand to the FFA advisor and coordinating activities for the local FFA Chapter. Thanks were given to Tracy Barron, Sarah Pearson, Katie Knighton, and Caris Cole in their role as officers. The Alumni Chapter raised funds for two FFA members to attend the Washington Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., in June 2026.

“Thank you, members and guests, for attending such a special night for everyone here. We have an amazing chapter, and that is thanks to the wonderful people who help our students grow into young adults,” said advisor Nicole Abel.

FFA members who received award:

Sarah Daves, Sara Wilson, Carter Barron, Koyen Fortune, Audrey Kiefel, Liam Kiefel, Olivia Kiefel, Kayla Kuykendall, Rollin Carpenter, Harlee Coulston, Tucker Hamilton, Brenton Seagraves, Gavin Mikesell, Katy Allen, Makaelyn Mikesell, Makayla Mikesell, Olivia Duncan, Emerson Underwood, Jemma Anderson, Audrey Walker, Jake Lynch, Madyson Potter, Gage Mynear, Tyler Coulston, Cody Coulston, Harlee Coulston, Olivia Duncan, Stella Pearson, Sophia Castillo, Lillian Carpenter, Sidian Stegall, Chloe McCaw, Teegan Kenney, Ashlyn Brooks, Rowdy Cole, Cheri Mathews, and Tanna Ray.