Groton’s future farmers celebrates another great year

On the evening of May 15, approximately 100 guests gathered in the Groton Jr./Sr. High School (GHS) STEAM Center to celebrate the achievements of the Groton Future Farmers of America (FFA) at its second annual banquet.

With the aromas of an amazing meal of a low-country seafood boil and all that comes with it, catered by Dick Brecht of The Groton Ice Cream Caboose, wafting in the air, the evening opened with a welcome by Chelsey Mahany, agriculture educator and FFA advisor, immediately followed by the singing of the National Anthem by FFA members who sing in the GHS chorus.

Guests were able to experience how an FFA meeting is officially run, as the vice president, Stella Holl, called the roll of FFA officers, who were stationed throughout the room. Officers then identified themselves, each giving a succinct description of where they were stationed, and why.

Once all officers were accounted for, Chapter President Jillian Zigenfus called upon Grace Short, FFA secretary, to call the roll of the remaining members present. All stood and recited in unison the reason they were there: “To practice brotherhood, honor agricultural opportunities and responsibilities and develop those qualities of leadership which an FFA member should possess.” 

The remainder of the evening was a true testament to just how the Groton FFA members embody those aspirations!

Dignitaries were “in the house”

“Hello everyone, and welcome to the 2025 Groton FFA banquet!” Mahany declared. “This year was anything but typical. Optimism and resilience were the name of the game, and I am so incredibly proud of the commitment and fortitude these young people possess and the absolute joy they have brought this year. It is a privilege to be their advisor and teacher. It is an honor to have each and every one of you here with us to share in their celebration of achievement!”

Short introduced special guests Andrew Curtis Szalach, NYS FFA treasurer; his sister, Erin Curtis, advisor and ag educator at Camden Central School District; and Mr. and Mrs. Terry Hughes from New York Ag Ed and their granddaughter, Danielle.

FFA member Michael Brehm announced Adelyn Clore, Stella Holl, Diella Niño and Noble Snyder, who made up the Senior Quiz Bowl team and competed at the New York State FFA Convention. He said they made it to the Sweet 16, finishing only one point from the Final Four, competing against 51 teams!  

Short announced winners of contests from the FFA district convention: Stella Holl, Kara Pierce, Noble Snyder, Adelyn Clore, Eve Shaff, Nattalie Lombardi, Jillian Zigenfus, De’Anna Mackey and Megan Kavanagh.

“Our advisor also received the Golden Owl Award for District 7 and was recognized at the state level by Nationwide Insurance and New York Farm Bureau as one of the lead educators in ag education, based on nominations from the students and community,” Short also announced.

Sincere appreciation and more awards were given

Clore then gave a heartwarming speech of thanks to all of the parents and supporters for all they do behind the scenes.

“The truth is, no FFA member accomplishes any of this alone,” Clore said. “Our blue jackets may bear our names, but they are stitched with the effort, time, patience and sacrifice of the people who believe in us: family, friends, advisors and community members. Without them, none of these opportunities, achievements or moments of growth would be possible. So, even if saying `thank you’ feels bigger than a few words, tonight is a good place to start.”

Mahany recognized Michael Brehm as the only outgoing senior. Zigenfus acknowledged organizations that have lent support to the chapter, and Mahany presented special Ag Department awards to Niño, Holl and Shaff.

Outgoing officers were given accolades, and incoming officers were duly installed immediately following a “year in review” slideshow. Throughout the evening, a silent auction took place with donations from local businesses and individuals, door prizes were given out at the end, and the meeting concluded with a salute to our flag and the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Agriculture is alive and well in Groton, and it is very clear that the members of the Groton FFA are prepared to be leaders in the field as they shape their futures!

Groton on the Inside appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Submit story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com or text or call Linda at 607-227-4922. 

In brief:

Outstanding CTE students

Congratulations to the following Groton students who were recognized as outstanding students of the month for the combined months of April and May at the Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga BOCES Career and Technical Education Center: Cayden Dryja, Heavy Equipment, and Jeffrey Edwards, World of Work Food Service.

These outstanding students were chosen based on their character, leadership, citizenship, work ethic and attendance. They must also be compassionate, honest, trustworthy, responsible and positive role models.

Groton American Legion raffle

The Groton American Legion Carrington-Fuller Post 800 has its seventh building fund raffle underway — a crucial annual fundraiser for undertaking the projects necessary for upkeep of the building.

With proceeds from previous raffles, the post was able to replace its dining room windows, repair and rehabilitate club room casement windows, install a new split system air conditioning unit for the kitchen and purchase materials to install a new electric service for power and lighting in its outdoor shed last year.

With many more projects still awaiting adequate funding, this year’s raffle will help to fund some of them.  

Only 200 tickets will be sold, and prizes totaling $10,000 will be awarded on Saturday, Aug. 23 at 3 p.m. at the post. You could win $5,000, $2,000, $1000, $500 or $200, with a total of 10 chances to win. All ticket holders will be eligible for all drawings, even if a prize has already been won. To purchase a ticket, stop by the post during normal business hours, contact fmheine@yahoo.com or call 607-280-2428.