New officers installed at FFA Chapter annual banquet

HARTINGTON — Blue corduroy jackets, proud parents and a long list of accomplishments filled the room Friday night as the Hartington-Newcastle FFA Chapter celebrated another standout year — and said goodbye to a large, accomplished senior class.

The annual chapter banquet, held May 1, brought members, families and supporters together for an evening that mixed recognition, reflection and a few emotional farewells.

The night began with a meal before shifting into a year-in-review presentation highlighting everything from contests and leadership events to community service projects that kept the chapter busy throughout the year. Each member was recognized for their involvement, underscoring the depth of participation across all grade levels.

Several students were honored for leadership development, including Colter Feilmeier, Ashlynn Dailey, Jayden Lordemann, Gabe Reyes, Kaley Lamers and Ashton Wakeley. Scholarship awards went to Scout Heimes, Calley Stewart, Jason Heimes and Kora Kneifl for their academic achievements.

The chapter’s “most active” awards — recognizing consistent participation across the year — were presented to Ashlynn Dailey (freshman), Calley Stewart (sophomore), Karissa Bruning (junior) and Ava Stewart (senior). Ava Stewart also received the prestigious DeKalb Award, given annually to a senior who excels across all areas of the agricultural program.

Five members — Logan Eickhoff, Tessa Haahr, Andrew Heimes, Grayden Hochstein and James Pick — earned the American FFA Degree, the highest honor an FFA member can achieve, marking years of dedication to agricultural education, supervised experiences and leadership.

Senior parents were also recognized for their behind-the-scenes support, often helping make long trips, late nights and busy schedules possible.

Outgoing chapter president Graham Potts delivered the retiring address, reflecting on both the friendships and the hard work that defined his time in the organization.

“The good times and the work all seem to go by in a blink,” Potts noted, encouraging younger members to make the most of their time in the program.

A lighter moment followed as retiring officers introduced the new 2026-27 officer team in a creative reveal. New officers include Chaplain Jayden Lordemann, Historian Scout Heimes, Parliamentarian Cris Kneifl, Sentinel Colton Cavanaugh, Reporter Gabe Reyes, Treasurer Gus Lammers, Secretary Kyson Lammers, Vice President Karissa Bruning and President Jason Heimes.

The evening closed with the traditional senior recognition, as 20 graduating members were honored for their years of dedication to the chapter: Jocelyn Bottolfsen, Colton Campbell, Jade Ford, Joe Gustman, Nolan Heimes, Maverick Heine, Booker Hochstein, Brady Hochstein, Quinn Hochstein, Autumn Kathol, Jackson Klug, Kora Kneifl, Kaley Lammers, Lane Paulsen, Wes Pinkleman, Graham Potts, Breah Steffen, Ava Stewart, Ashton Wakeley and Katelyn Wubben.

For those seniors, the banquet marked one final chapter moment — a last time wearing the iconic blue jacket before stepping into new opportunities beyond high school.