Coudersport FFA tradition of excellence continues

Earl Brown has FFA students such Josiah Gerhart raising and selling poinsettias during the holidays.

One of Pennsylvania's oldest and most celebrated vocational agriculture programs celebrated its most recent achievements last Monday, as the Coudersport Spud Growers FFA Chapter held its annual banquet.

Veteran vo-ag teacher and FFA advisor Earl Brown detailed the organization's latest achievements and paid special tribute to several students who have excelled. Brown, who joined the faculty in 1965, has served as FFA advisor for more than 40 years. He has won numerous national and state awards.

This year's Star Chapter Farmer Award was presented to Brendan Reed.

Eric Monger was winner of the Star Chapter Agribusiness Award.

Marissa Galeotti was named Star Greenhand, while Josiah Gerhart was honored as Star A g r i b u s i n e s s Greenhand.

Brown also presented the p r e s t i g i o u s Honorary Chapter Farmer Award to Dave Stratton, Farm Service Agency director for Potter, Cameron and McKean counties.

FFA Creed Awards went to Emily Giannotti, first; Dakota Dehn, second; and Kyle Freeman, third.

From left, Brendan Reed, Marissa Galeotti, Joseiah Gerhart and Eric Monger were among the major award winners at this year's Spud Growers FFA chapter banquet. Lugene Heimel photo

Several Spud Growers Chapter members were recognized with state achievement awards, as follows: Glenn Dunn II, land judging/ national qualifier, State Star Agribusinessman, Eastern States BIG E participant; Ben Long and Eric Monger, land judging/national qualifiers; Marissa Galeotti, state delegate leadership award; Nina Tice, state dairy showmanship award; and Brandon Cole, state public speaking and land judging/national qualifier.

Several other students were presented Spud Growers Chapter member awards: Hope Morris, Isaac Cary, Jordan Long, Mike Dunn, Erick Duzick, Kirk Duffee, Steve White, Nina Tice, Megan Wilson, Ross Lent, Raymond Lent, Kyle Gerhart, Koloman Erway, LeeAnna Erway, Skyler Gibble, Eileen Greenly, Lauren Goga, Jessica Wilson, Brooke Campbell, Jared Schram and Derek Burdick.

Also, Adam Foust, Chris Podwoski, Kody Frederick, Eric Foust, Ryan Gaberseck, Jeff Notaro, Beau Gross, Jacey Gerhart, Drew Levavasseur, John Hau, Case DeGroff, Dan Marzo, Sam Decker and Dustin Anderson.

Also, Allan Hackett, Grant Gerner, Taylor Freeman, Kyle Gee and recent graduates Caleb Morris, Mike Cole, Brandon Smith, Zach Cowburn, Timecka Dubots, Jason Amidon, William Leete and Holly Watson.

Brown noted that Spud Growers Chapter again qualified for several chapter awards for parliamentary procedure, conservation, window displays, safety and archiving, with prizes totalling $425.