By GRACIE LEAVITT
The Progress
The Moapa Valley FFA Chapter held its annual Greenhand ceremony on Friday, April 16 at the MVHS Ag Farm.
The Greenhand ceremony revolves around first year students who have shown an early understanding of the FFA program, including it’s history and it’s goals for the future.
This award ceremony also recognized Chapter members who had won awards at state levels over the past year.
Sophomore Chapter Officer Shaylee Adams helped put together the meeting, setting up during classes. Floral classes made arrangements for the tables in vases made by FFA Advisor Denise O’Tooles’ father. The setting was perfectly set for the meeting.
The greenhand degree and pin were presented. O’Toole explained that the pin was made of bronze because of it’s “hardness and endurance”. It had been used for ages in substitution of crude stone instruments.
“Although you have done well and merit this recognition, let me remind you that there are many heights yet to be attained,” O’Toole told the students. “You must be malleable, but never crushed; ductile, but never draw into anything base or dishonorable, glowing with enthusiasm, but unaltered by the heat of conflict.”
O”Toole also expressed her desire for her students to earn the highest degree of recognition given to all worthy members, setting a hope for the students of young ages.
Each first year student was then presented their pin and degree for their hard work and excellence.
Sophomore Mckenna Melvin was one of those to win this degree. She said that the distinction required careful preparation and effort. “I looked over the manuals and really wanted to understand what it takes to become a good leader,” Melvin said. “It takes a strong heart and willingness to put yourself forward; then you can pretty much do anything.”
State awards were also presented to those who participated at State level for their chapter. Some notable mentions included 1st place in employment skills by Shaylee Adams; 1st place in Soils Land Judging by Maggie Martin; 2nd place in Homesite Soils Judging by Martin; 2nd in Homesite Soils Judging by Miriam Werner. Mason Rawson 4th in Homesite Soils Judging.
Iain McMurray won the most awards of that night. He was recognized for taking 1st place in Homesite Soils Land Judging, 2nd in Prepared Public Speaking, 4th in high Soils Land judging, 16th in Vet Science and 16th in Farm and Agribusiness Managment.
“It took a lot of studying,” McMurray said. “I spent a lot of time trying to learn these new ideas and skills, a lot of staying after school talking to people who are professionals.”
The students were awarded with plaques engraven with their names and award.
After the award ceremony, the students and adults had a meal together and spent the evening playing board games and cornhole. The evening was memorable for both first year students and long-time members.
