News : Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Hosts Annual Pork BBQ and Degree Ceremony

FFA members enjoying dinner together before the Degree Ceremony. 

Greenhand FFA member Madeline Pingenot presenting the FFA Creed. 

Guest speaker Scott Priebe encourages the crowd to “take the leap”.

By: Co-Reporter, Abby McKenna 

On Wednesday, November 13th, the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter held its annual Pork BBQ and Degree Ceremony in the Vinton-Shellsburg High School Auditorium. The evening celebrated member achievements, community support, and the dedication of students involved in agricultural education. Guests enjoyed a dinner prepared by the Merchant Family and side dishes from chapter members before the ceremony began. The event featured traditional FFA Opening Ceremonies, recognition of special guests, and an inspiring message from Guest Speaker Scott Priebe, a grain merchandiser for Tama Benton Co-op and former Indiana FFA State President. During the ceremony, members were recognized for earning their Discovery, Greenhand, Chapter, and American FFA Degrees, which are important milestones in their FFA journeys.

Discovery Degree Recipients:
Katie Birker, Jessen Demuth, Dallas Dee, and Ella Lacey.

Greenhand Degree Recipients:
Kendalyn Appleby, Drake Obadal, Madeline Pingenot, June Bodeker, Maggie Stancel, Lily Ann Hesson, Zada Lusthoff, Daniel Newburry, Ava Shakespeare, Aiden Lukaszka, Brock Hoppenjan, Wyatt Shaver, Grayson Marzen, Layla Cabrera, William Kreutner, Makenzie Rhinehart, and Presley Waters.

Chapter Degree Recipients:
Abby McKenna, Dakota Lopata, Jonah Meyer, Zoey McClintock, Colton Birker, Raine Wheeler, Nora Grovert, Jenna Grovert, Rylee Manning, Jameson Demuth, Katelyn Fleming, Kadee Kirchner, Ayden Nosbisch, and Jackson Lloyd.

American FFA Degree Recipients:
Clayton McKenna, Grayce McClintock, Josh Wiley, and Matthew Bookmeier were awarded the highest degree by the National FFA Organization.

President Will McKenna closed the ceremony by thanking all who attended and encouraging members to continue getting involved and striving for future success. The evening reflected the pride and unity that make the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter a strong part of both the school and community.

FFA members are enjoying dinner before the ceremony. 

Greenhand FFA member Madeline Pingenot presenting the FFA Creed. 

Guest speaker Scott Priebe encourages the crowd to “take the leap”.