REFUGIO- The Refugio FFA Chapter Awards Banquet was held on Thursday, May 30 at the Refugio County Expo Center. FFA members and friends were recognized for their hard work and contributions to the organization throughout the year. FFA members were also recognized for their participation in CDE and LDE competitions. The Star Greenhand Award is awarded to the first year FFA member showing excellent levels of work ethic, character, and leadership. Star Chapter Award is awarded to an FFA member possessing the same characteristics. The Star Greenhand Award was awarded to Ryan Williams, and the Star Chapter Award was awarded to Anthony McGuill. Honorary Chapter Award is awarded to two adult individuals who have gone the extra mile to contribute to the FFA. The Honorary Chapter Award was awarded to Linda Amador, and Nick Arredondo. FFA members competed in various CDE’s(career development events), and LDE’s (Leadership development events). Competing in Chapter Range identification were Dalton Brown, Brett Wernli, Jared Skrobarcek and Steven Cantu. The Chapter Range ID Team advanced to the area competition. Competing in Meat Judging at the San Antonio Livestock Show And Rodeo were Anthony McGuill, Dalton brown, and Ryan Williams. Also held at the San Antonio Livestock Show was the Swine Skillathon. FFA members Anthony McGuill, and Derek Ressmann competed. Competing in the Beef Skillathon were Kodye Neel , and H.C Neel. H.C placed in the Senior Division as well as Kodye placing in the Intermediate Division. The Beef Quiz Bowl was hosted at the Houston Livestock Show And Rodeo, FFA members Dalton Brown, H.C Neel, Kodye Neel, and K’Cee Ponce competed as a team. Competing in Livestock Judging at the South Texas Invitational and district contest were Dalton Brown, H.C Neel, and Derek Ressmann. Ag Mechanics placed 6th at the South Texas Invitational, and 2nd in the district. Team members were Jake Henderson, Anthony McGuill, Jared Scrobarcek, Mikey Valdez, and Ryan Williams. LDE’s (Leadership Development Events) are held in the Fall of the year. Kaitlyn Lynn competed in Creed Speaking. Competing and placing third in Senior Quiz was Courtney Myers, H.C Neel, Derek Ressmann, and Dalton Brown. Competing and placing third in Senior Chapter Conducting were H.C Neel, Anthony McGuill, Jared Scrobarcek, Derek Ressmann, Courtney Myers, Dalton Brown, and Travis Anzaldua. FFA members showed livestock across the state in various major shows. Derek Ressmann showed hogs at Houston and San Antonio. H.C Neel, Kodye Neel,and K’Cee Ponce showed steers at Houston and San Antonio. H.C’s Chianina steer won in his lighweight class at Houston. Travis Anzaldua exhibited a goat at San Antonio. Anthony McGuill exhibited a welding table at the Houston Ag Mechanics Show. Members exhibited livestock at the Refugio County Livestock show. Erin Nelson, Anthony Mcguill,Dalton Brown, and Derek Ressmann exhibited hogs. Stacee Ponce, K’cee Poce, H.C Neel, and Kodye Neel exhibited steers. Holley Nelson, Courtney Myers and Kodye Neel exhibited lambs. Travis Anzaldua exhibited goats. Ryan Wiliams, Allie Upton, and Dalton Brown exhibited rabbits. FFA members are looking forward to next year for more competitions and learning experiences. FFA members will be traveling to Dallas this summer to attend the 85th annual Texas FFA State Convention. If anyone is interested in joining the FFA as a junior member (third grade thru eighth grade), contact our FFA Advisor Mr. Abrameit at the Refugio High School.