West Holmes FFA Recognizes New Members, Bolsters Agricultural Leadership

West Holmes FFA recognized a cohort of freshmen and advancing members at its annual Greenhand Initiation and Chapter Degree Ceremony on December 11, 2025. The ceremony marked formal acknowledgment of students who demonstrated knowledge of FFA history and the creed, and those who met Supervised Agricultural Experience requirements and community service benchmarks.

Guest speaker Taylor Johnson addressed members about becoming the best version of themselves and the significance of earning FFA degrees. Freshmen who completed the Greenhand requirements received their degrees after demonstrating understanding of the organization and maintaining an active Supervised Agricultural Experience. The Greenhand morning activities included a longstanding tradition of dyeing hands green and T shirts made during a Greenhand lock in.

Students who received Greenhand Degrees included Conner Allison, Clayton Beckett, Victoria Bell, Lane Burgett, Harlie Curry, Trenton Heller, Dean Hodson, Una Holasek, Tori Kaufman, Austin Long, Tim Mittman, Emily Ogi, Jocelyn Olney, Khloe Schafer, Breck Sheldon, Macie Sours, Bryar Strouse, Ron Tomlinson, Tyler Tope, Leland Turner and Patrick Weaver.

Those awarded Chapter Degrees after meeting community service and Supervised Agricultural Experience requirements were Reece Anderson, Ellie Babitt, Jackson Baker, Electra Beachy, Deacon Clemens, Hayden Conkle, Courtney Crider, Zander Croskey, Gabriella Fowler, Kendra Hall, Cam Hinton, Jack Jewell, Chloe Kaser, Rayne Larimore, Natalie Lauriha, Natty Lint, Reagan Mackey, Emily Manges, Cadence Martie, Ali Mash, Makenzie Mast, Emma McDonnell, Madison Mittman, Mia Spencer, Wyatt Troyer and Andrew Weaver. The ceremony concluded with refreshments, providing an opportunity for family, teachers and community members to celebrate the students.

For Holmes County residents the event is more than a school milestone. Agricultural education programs like FFA build practical skills in food production, entrepreneurship and stewardship that contribute to local food security and economic opportunity. Participation in supervised agricultural projects and service activities also supports adolescent development and mental wellbeing by fostering responsibility, social connection and a sense of purpose. Sustaining these programs requires attention to equitable funding, accessible facilities and supportive policies so all students can benefit, regardless of background.

As Holmes County plans for future workforce and public health needs, investments in school based agricultural education remain a tangible way to strengthen community resilience and nurture the next generation of local leaders.