The Atwater High School agriculture department closed out the school year recognizing the efforts and accomplishments of students, and the support of school and community members at the 44th annual Atwater FFA Awards Banquet with nearly 300 students, parents, administrators, and community members in attendance.
The Honorary Chapter Degree was awarded to Mr. Kyle Pawling. The National FFA Organization established this award directed towards farmers, school superintendents, principals, members of Boards of Education, chapter advisors, teachers, staff members in agricultural education, business people, and others who are helping to advance agriculture education and the FFA, and who have rendered outstanding service, may be elected to honorary membership. In addition to the Honorary Chapter Degree, appreciation awards were given to Mr. Oscar Garcia, Mrs. Haylee Branco, Mrs. Alexie Parlie, Mrs. Jenny Medeiros, and Mrs. Kelly Thomas.
The Outstanding Star Greenhand is awarded to the top first year agriculture student based on their overall agriculture and FFA engagement and participation. This year’s recipient was Katelynn Medeiros. The Outstanding Star Chapter Farmer is awarded to the top second year agriculture students based on their overall agriculture and FFA engagement and participation. This year’s recipient was Kayleigh Trindade.
Outstanding Agriculture Pathway awards were given to students representing every course within the agriculture pathways that includes Agriscience, Agriculture Mechanics, Animal Science, and Ornamental Horticulture. This year’s student recipients were Abigail Rogers (Advanced Floral Design), Ayde Renteria (Floral Design), Abdiel Ramirez (Advanced Power Mechanics), Nicole DeLeon (Ag Biology), Travis Medina (Ag Biology), Haven Kamykowski (Ag Biology), Edison Lee (Ag Earth Science), Trenton Hall (Ag Earth Science), Shayleigh Miller (Ag Econ/Govt), Ryan Marshall (Ag Welding Tech – Freshman), Nic Presto (Ag Welding Tech), Adrian Silva (Advanced Ag Welding Tech), Marcos Marrit-Vega (Ag Chemistry), Allison Brewer (Animal Anatomy & Physiology), Hailey Azevedo (Explorations In Agriculture), Parklyn Reed (Floral Design), Marissa Rojas (Environmental Horticulture), Karina Alvarado (Horticulture ll), Angelina Reyes-Leon (Small Engines), Marvin Vasquez (Ag Mechanic-Welding), Robert Teater (Turfgrass and Sports Field Management l), Brain Galvan-Moreno (Turfgrass and Sports Field Management ll), Zoe Jolly (Vet Science), Jasmin De Los Santos (Ag Wood I),and Javier Avila (Ag Wood II/III).
The Outstanding Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior awards focused on the combination of a students overall academics and Ag/FFA engagement/participation. This year’s recipients were Guadaplupe Millian-Solorio (Outstanding FFA Member), Hallie Billings (Outstanding Freshman), Dylan Cardey (Outstanding Freshman), Nicolas Presto (Outstanding Sophomore), Allison Brewer (Outstanding Sophomore), Alexa Bracomontes (Outstanding Junior), Alany Guzman (Outstanding Junior), Ella Boyenga (Outstanding Junior), Kendall Borba (Outstanding Senior), Dulce Campos-Rodriguez (Outstanding Senior), and Hunter Birmingham (Outstanding Senior).
Specialty awards included the “Double D Award” given to an Atwater FFA member who represents the Atwater FFA with pride and dignity and was awarded to Viviana Roach. The “Glen Arnold Memorial Award” is given in memory of Atwater/Winton community member/farmer Mr. Glenn Arnold and is awarded to a quiet, thoughtful student who works hard behind the scenes for the good of all. A student who is dedicated, diligent and methodical in their duties. A student who has a passion for farming and agriculture and one who others look up to. This year’s recipient was Shayleigh Miller. The “DeKalb Award” is awarded throughout the state in recognition of an outstanding senior with scholastic, leadership, and proficient agricultural work experience and projects and was awarded to Allison Garner.
In addition to the student and community awards, the new 2023-2024 Atwater FFA chapter officers were announced. The new officer team includes Brianna Duran (President), Allison Brewer (Vice President), Katelynn Mederios (Secretary), Viviana Roach (Reporter), Bryce Nickerson (Treasurer), Hailey Herforth (Parliamentarian), Gizselle Availa (Historian), Grace Andrea (Chaplain), and Ayde Renteria (Sentinel).
“This was an opportunity to recognize all of our students who took the opportunities available in agriculture education and utilized them towards their personal needs and interests towards academic success, skill development, leadership, personal growth, and future educational and career endeavors,” said Atwater FFA advisor Kim Mesa. “We are proud of every agriculture and FFA student at Atwater High School.”