FFA celebrates its year

PINE PLAINS — Members of the Pine Plains FFA chapter at the annual banquet on Friday, June 3, told the community about its activities during the past year, and about its plans for the future. Chapter members want to raise funds to continue the program and they thanked businesses and community members who have supported them in countless ways.During the banquet, FFA members were awarded scholarships, degrees and certificates, and FFA officers passed on their torches to the next generation of leaders.During dinner, FFA members spoke about specific events during the year, including the fall festival, community service activities and the state and national conventions.Guest speaker Charlee Dooms encouraged the students to continue their agricultural education and to use the knowledge and experience they gained during their time in FFA to set themselves on a course for success.Tears of both joy and sadness filled the eyes of many of the FFA members when, at the end of the evening, it was time to say goodbye to the two students who will graduate at the end of this school year. Both graduates were caught in the middle of spontaneous group hugs after they gave their farewell speeches.“The students did a great job tonight,” said FFA advisor Christine Mac Neil. “This gave them the opportunity to practice their leadership skills and they gain confidence when it goes so well.”A silent auction was held during the evening. More than 100 items were auctioned, including meat and eggs produced by the FFA members.