FFA members, community members, administration, parents, and others gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of Kutztown FFA during its 82nd Annual Chapter Banquet in April.
“The banquet is an occasion where we set aside dedicated time to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of our members within our very busy year,” Kutztown FFA chapter advisor Ayla Blatt said in a statement. “Every FFA journey is unique, and so is each member. We celebrate our individual successes and how we have grown as a chapter. We are not able to do what we do without the support of our community and they always love to see what we are up to!”
More than 155 people attended the banquet that was led by the 2024-2025 officer team president Hailey Bauscher, vice president Rebecca Batz, secretary Lyndsey Smith, treasurer Phoebe Stutzman, reporter Natalie Bauscher and advisor Ayla Blatt.
“We also dedicate a special time to recognize our FFA officer team for all of their hard work and hundreds of hours of time they put in throughout their year of service. Our three senior officers are graduating and moving on to new adventures. They may have retired their jackets this evening, but their impact is not done yet.
Kutztown FFA’s graduating seniors are Rebecca Batz, Hailey Bauscher, Alyssa Daub, Brinley Hess, William Hugo, Zoie Jones, Elizabeth O’Dell, and Lyndsey Smith.
“As a senior, FFA definitely means a lot to me,” 2024-2025 Chapter President Hailey Bauscher said in a statement. “It has watched me grow up, watched me change into the person I am today. It has shaped me into someone that I didn’t know was in there and I am forever grateful that I had the opportunity of being in FFA for my whole high school career. I am so happy that it taught me how to be a better leader, and how to speak up for myself as well as how to communicate better. It teaches you that if you make mistakes, it’s fine because everyone does and you’ll do better next time.”
FFA means a lot to her.
“I will forever miss it but I’m proud to say that it shaped me,” said Bauscher, quoting the FFA mission statement: “FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.”
Concluding, Bauscher said: “Special thanks to our alumni, families, sponsors, and supporters who continue to make our program a success. Congratulations to all members on an incredible year!”
The evening began with a meal that was supported and provided by FFA members and their families, as well as the help from family consumer science classes and Heather Russo. A raffle basket drawing was held with all proceeds going toward the new officer team attending the National FFA Convention in October in Indianapolis.
Pennsylvania FFA President Chloe Bomgardner delivered the keynote speech to motivate those in attendance. Rep. Jamie Barton briefly spoke on the Kutztown FFA chapter and the agricultural community.
More than $3,500 in awards and scholarships were presented to FFA members, thanks to the support of local sponsors.
Awards were presented for outstanding leadership, community service, and scholarship, highlighting the hard work and dedication of FFA members throughout the year.
Greenhand Degree: Katelyn Berger, Saige Brown, Alyssa Daub, Chase Hugo, Liam Jennings, Emelia Lewis, Rylee McAllister, RyleAnn Melicharek
Star Greenhand: Katelyn Berger
Chapter Degree: Natalie Bauscher, Brinley Hess
Star Chapter: Brinley Hess
Keystone Degree: Hailey Bauscher, Zoie Jones, Lyndsey Smith
Chapter Leadership Award: Emelia Lewis, RyleAnn Melicharek, Saige Brown, Alyssa Daub, Reeves Moyer
Chapter Scholarship Award: Katelyn Berger, Rylee McAllister, Natalie Bauscher, Emelia Lewis,
Phoebe Stutzman, Saige Brown, Lyndsey Smith, Alyssa Daub
Blue Award for community service: William Hugo
Gold Award for chapter involvement: Alyssa Daub
Top Salesman Award: Rebecca Batz
Jacket Scholarship Recognition: Katelyn Berger, Alyssa Daub, Chase Hugo, Emelia Lewis, Elizabeth O’Dell, Destiny Varela-Herb, Cohen Weisner
Proficiency Award: Hailey Bauscher, Natalie Bauscher, Zoie Jones, Phoebe Stutzman
Student Manager Recognition: Lyndsey Smith, Zoie Jones
SAE Grant: Phoebe Stutzman, Natalie Bauscher, Katelyn Berger
Premier Leadership Award: Brinley Hess
Personal Growth Award: Zoie Jones
Career Success Award: William Hugo
DeKalb Agricultural Accomplishment Award: Rebecca Batz
Donald Reinert Award: Lyndsey Smith
Kutztown Fair Association FFA Award: Hailey Bauscher
2024-2025 Retiring Officers: Hailey Bauscher, president; Rebecca Batz, vice president; Lyndsey Smith, secretary; Phoebe Stutzman, treasurer; Natalie Bauscher, reporter
2025-2026 Officer Team: Phoebe Stutzman, president; Natalie Baucher, vice president; Emelia Lewis, secretary; Gabrielle Loeb, treasurer; Saige Brown, reporter
Source: Berkshire mont