The 2023-2024 BHS FFA Officers smile before auctioning off a table full of sweets at their annual FFA Banquet.

BIGGS, CA (MPG) - On the pleasant, breezy evening of May 1st, the Biggs High School south lawn was filled with tables, blue and gold floral arrangements, and navy jackets as the annual FFA Banquet took place.

Families gathered to partake of a free tri-tip dinner prepared by BHS FFA, including salad, rice and homemade rolls. Guests would stand in line to be served by FFA students before taking a seat at one of the beautifully decorated tables, arrangements courtesy of the BHS FFA floral department.

Seated on the stage were the 2023-2024 FFA Officers, each posted at their station, who would eventually speak to the crowd and take turns at the podium announcing this year’s outstanding FFA members.

FFA Historian Jayden Beck told the Herald that the event is not only a changing of guard and acts as the current Officers “retirement” but is also an awards ceremony and big fundraiser for the group.

BHS FFA President Thomas Job would welcome the crowd and provide a yearly recap of the group, including their various success and memorable moments.

 Outgoing President and senior, Thomas Job, invites the new BHS FFA Officers on stage to official announce them and their roles.

Next, Vice President Addie Scott would announce the 2024 Honorary Member saying, “This year our chapter would like to recognize a true agriculturalist, generous community member and all-around selfless individual.” Scott would outline the extensive way this individual has helped support the program, school and FFA students, not to mention serving on the AG Advisory Board for over 10 years. She would continue, “That you for always supporting our chapter and promoting the true spirit behind agricultural education,” before inviting John Scott, her father, to the stage to receive the award.

Mason Kaelin would take the stand next, thanking a long list of individuals and families that had been pivotal to the success of their group before introducing Kari Wheeler.

 Kari Wheeler (right) awards Addies Scott (left) the Butte County Cattlewomen’s Association Scholarship.

Wheeler, on behalf of the Butte County Cattlewomen’s Association would award Addie Scott a $1,000 scholarship. “I’ve watched this young woman here grow to be a lady who not only puts her best effort forward but goes beyond that…I would say that Addie gives 140% of every single thing she does.”

As the evening continued, each officer would spend time at the podium awarding and acknowledging the fellow FFA members for their outstanding work throughout the semester.

Karma Oliverez would receive the blue and gold reward, Reaghan Jones the Star Greenhand award, the Star Farmer award would go to Gracie Sheppard, and the Chapter Award would be received by Mason Kaelin.

The recognition would continue as a host of FFA students were honored for their efforts throughout the semester. Before the installation of the new officers, one more award would be handed out.

The Excellence in Agriculture Award, sponsored by Mike and Jennifer Job of Job Farming, was awarded for the second year in a row. Ag Mechanics instructor Steven Boyes says the honor “goes to who we consider to be the most outstanding Ag student of Biggs High School,” and is “not necessarily an FFA award.”

At the banquet, Boyes shared that this year’s decision was tough, but the recipient was more than deserving. The gleaming belt buckle and Excellence in Agriculture Award for 2024 would go to Thomas Job.

 Stephen Boyes (right) awards Thomas Job (left) the Excellence in Agriculture Award.

The night would end with the installation of the new chapter officers and desert auction.

Existing officers would individually pass the torch to the new chapter officers, President Josey Navarro, Vice President Mailey Seipert, Secretary Rosemary Castaneda-Aguilera, Treasurer Mason Kaelin, Reporter Gracie Sheppard and Sentinel Logan Harrison. Outgoing FFA Officers were President Thomas Job, Vice President Ally Williams, Secretary Josey Navarro, Reporter Jazmin Ibarra, Sentinel Mason Kaelin and Historian Jayden Beck.

A lively desert auction would follow with nearly 20 supreme sweets to be sold. The money raised from the sales typically covers the cost of the banquet while leaving enough funding left over to support future BHS FFA needs.