Article written and submitted by: Skyler Allen 2025-2026 Racine Southern FFA Historian
RACINE, OHIO – April 24, 2025 – The Racine Southern FFA Chapter held its 94th annual banquet on April 23rd, 2025, at Starmill Park in Racine, Ohio, celebrating a year of accomplishments and recognizing outstanding members and dedicated supporters.
The evening was a tribute to the hard work and dedication of FFA members, with numerous awards presented for achievements in various competitions and activities.
Key Awards and Recognitions:
Soil Judging: Brilah Spires, Emma Owens, Peyton Milliron, Skyler Allen, and Xander Moon were recognized for their achievements in the Rural category, while Alex Owsley, Hunter Jarrell, Hunter Lackey, Justin Lawson, Nathanial Nero, Tyson Hupp, Will Smith, and Wyatt Smith were awarded in the Urban category.
Job Interview CDE: Hunter Jarrell and Justin Lawson were awarded for their performance in the Job Interview Career Development Event.
Online Greenhand Exam: Abram Thomas, Andrea Rivera, Baylee Lyons, Caleigh Keyes, Cami Carleton, Carsen Pullins, Dalton Clark, Dravin Boykins, Gatlin Triplett, Greyson Duval, Jace Casto, Jacoby Stover, Jayden Justis, Jeremy Harmon, Jett Lisle, Jose Rivera, Julie Wilson, Kailey Aldridge, Kamryn Hupp, Katelyn Wickline, Liam Sargent, Lyddia Smith, Lydia Harmon, Marcy Evans, Noah Sellers, RayLee Million, Reba Harmon, Ryanna Lee, Shyla Little, Tanner Harmon, Tristan Wemmer, Waylon Smith, Wyatt Templeton, and Zoey Kinder were all recognized.
Top FFA Points: Tyson Hupp and Will Smith were recognized for earning the most FFA points. Will Smith placed second with 106 FFA points and will be rewarded $75. Tyson Hupp placed first with 128 FFA points, he will be rewarded $100.
Top Sellers: Tyson Hupp, Lydia Harmon, Emma Owens, and Cali O'Brian were recognized as top sellers in various fundraising activities. The gun raffle winner was James Smith, winning ticket sold by Marcy Evans.
Fairboard Representative: Tyson Hupp and Hunter Lackey were acknowledged.
Ohio River Producers Members: Several individuals were recognized as members. Ed Gibbs (lifetime), James Languel (lifetime) (Lang guel), Jim Dddle (lifetime), Joe Proffitt (lifetime), Peggy Gibbs (lifetime), Jenna Meeks (lifetime), Rhonda Meeks (lifetime), Austin Rose, Caelin Seth, Christie Smith, CT Chapman, Don Smith, Dylan Lyoons, Jenny Whan (Wan), Joe Roberts, Kristin Mckay, Marilyn Cooper, Maxine Rose, Rachel Hupp, Rhonda Rathnurn, Ryan Chapman, Tammy Chapman, Tara Roberts, Tony Hupp.
Honorary Member: Rachel Hupp was named Honorary Member.
Discovery Degree: Abraham Thomas, Baylee Lyons, Caeliegh Keyes, Carsen Pullins, Gatlin Tripplet, Jace Casto, Jayden Justice, Jeremy Harmon, Jose Rivera, Julie Wilson, Kameron Hupp, Lydia Harmon, Marcy Evans, Michael Laudermilt, Noah Sellers, Tanner Harmon, Waylon Smith, and Zoey Kinder received this degree. Marcy Evans received the Star Discovery Award.
Greenhand Degree: Bryer Holley, Hunter Lackey, Isabella Johnson, Jaylyn Fogus, Joslyn Hupp, McKenzie Sellers, Parker Exline, Tyson Hupp, Xander Moon, Colton Jones, and Tanner Robson were awarded. Tyson Hupp was also awarded the Star Greenhand Award.
Chapter Degree: Justin Lawson, John Scott, and Skyler Allen were recognized. Skyler Allen was also named Star Chapter Farmer.
State Degree: Will Smith, Wyatt Smith, Corey Seth, and Michelle Adkins received this degree. They will be getting this degree at State Convention, May 2nd.
Travis Adams Achievement Award was given to Wyatt Smith.
Outstanding Senior Award: Nathanial Nero received this award.
Scholastic Winners (Top GPA for each grade level): David Lee, Xander Alkire, Wyatt Smith, and Corey Seth were recognized for their academic achievements.
Community Service Award: Hunter Jarrell, Hunter Lackey, Corey Seth, Will Smith, Wyatt Smith, and Hannah Turley were honored for their community service.
Outstanding SAE Awards: Tyson Hupp and Dylan Haye were recognized for their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects.
Ag Certification/Completers: Michelle Adkins and Caleb Jones were acknowledged.
Officers Books: Skyler Allen, Will Smith, Tyson Hupp, Hunter Jarrell, Wyatt Smith, and Nathanial Nero were recognized. They will be awarded at State Convention, May 2nd.
New officer positions: Wyatt Smith- President, Tyson Hupp- Vice President, Marcy Evans- Secretary, Will Smith- Treasurer, Hunter Lackey- Reporter, Skyler Allen- Historian, Hunter Jarrell- Sentinel.
Retiring Officers: Nathaniel Nero
The banquet also served as an opportunity to thank the many individuals and organizations that have supported the Racine Southern FFA Chapter throughout the year. Their contributions have played a vital role in the success of the chapter and its members.
The Racine Southern FFA Chapter looks forward to another successful year of fostering leadership, promoting agricultural education, and serving the community.
Ms. Meeks giving Nathaniel Nero the Retiring Officer plaque.
Hunter Lackey, Tyson Hupp, Hunter Jarrell, Will Smith, Skyler Allen and Nathaniel Nero receiving their Officer recognition award.
