Gortner, Tegtmeier win Dekalb award

WOOSTER, Ohio – Northwestern FFA recognized its outstanding members during their annual recognition banquet.

Brad Hottel received the 2004 Star Greenhand award and Jill Morris received the 2004 Star Chapter Farmer award.

Leadership award. Allison Gortner and Jill Tegtmeier shared the Dekalb Agricultural Accomplishment Award.

The duo has served as chapter officers, participated in various judging teams, exhibited projects at the fair and chapter activities including attending the state and national conventions and various community service projects.

Alyssa Lingle and Jillian Hastings were recognized for their participation in the FFA’s 75th Anniversary Speaking Contest. Lingle placed first in the district and Hastings placed second in the district. Both students will compete at the state contest.

Gortner also received an Alumni Scholarship, Pallota Ford Scholarship and the Commodity Blenders Scholarship.

Ruthann Keener also received an Alumni Scholarship.

Christine Schafrath received a scholarship to attend the Washington Leadership Conference.

2004 Distinguished Service Awards were presented to Susie Gortner, Hershey Farm, Trent Hershey, John Johnson, Chris Wilhelmy, Tegtmeier Farm and Mike Wigal and Sterling Farm Equipment.

Proficiency awards. Proficiency awards were presented to Kara Hamilton, diversified livestock, specialty animals, specialty crops, and home improvement;

Christine Schafrath, grain production; Brandon Swanson, diversified crop placement; Ashley Jones, equine placement proficiency and equine production;

Dan Bowers, swine production; and Jacob Dilyard, poultry production and outdoor recreation.

Scholarship awards were presented to Hottel, Jason Miley, Patrick Miller, Todd Mole, Mara Monaco, Mai Ueno, Cassie Wellert, Jeremy Wellert, Derek Wise, Stephanie Yost, Daniel Berger, Dilyard, Hastings, Kerby Hershey, Morris, Kattie Roberts, Sarah Woodring, Adam Geitgey, Lang, Lingle, Scott Martin, Schafrath, Matt Winkler, Gortner, Hamilton, Jones, Ryan Kline and Tegtmeier.

Alyssa Lingle was the top citrus salesman and Christine Schafrath, the top sausage salesman.

Officers. Serving as the 2004-2005 officers will be Christine Schafrath, president; Justin Pleban, vice president; Kattie Parris, secretary; Brad Hottel, treasurer; Alyssa Lingle, reporter; Jill Morris, sentinel; Steph Yost, student adviser; and Samantha Lang, assistant.