Local students shine at annual banquet

By Dino Nappi

The red carpet was rolled out for the stars Tuesday night, December 17, at the Eureka Opera House, when the FFA’s Diamond Mountain Chapter held its annual Christmas Banquet.  ECHS chapter members hosted their families, friends and teachers in a night of ceremony, thanksgiving and delicious appetizers and sweets.

The night began with opening ceremonies led by all the officers.  Officers Crystal Hubbard and Kylie Merritt  then gave their reports, and the guests were welcomed by President Dexter Luby.  Leandra Marshall led everyone in the evening’s offered invocation.

All the officers then participated in the Greenhand Degree ceremony. That was followed by the Junior Officer recognition. Leandra Marshall and Morgan Bailey then reported on last month’s successful blood drive.

The agriculture class then made their presentations:  Catarina Brown and Taylor Usry spoke about plant science; Clay and Natalie Norcutt spoke about what their being offered in their senior class skills class; Beth Damele and Amanda Ketzenberg bemused the audience  with their chat about animal science; Reba Skinner, Sean Snigerev and Chad Fiorenzi talked about their leadership class and the presentations concluded with freshmen Koltin Anderson and Heather Lacovara talking about their Agriculture 1 class.

Dexter Luby recognized Tina Wilson with an Honorary Chapter Degree, and Kayla Eaton announced that Megan Damele was chosen as member of the month.  All members then participated in the closing ceremonies.

The invited guests felt honored by and proud of Eureka’s FFA members.  The time, effort and care they demonstrated in putting forth the banquet was apparent.  Most, if not all, of the students engaged in a full day of school, participated in rigorous basketball practices, put forth a lovely banquet, then were off to their homes for homework, chores and a sound night’s sleep.  Our community can be proud to be associated with the ECHS chapter of the FFA.  These student leaders work hard doing hard work, and they are our Diamond Mountain Diamonds.