Chenevey lauds a dedicated senior class at WH FFA banquet
The recent West Holmes FFA banquet was an emotional one for agricultural adviser Jaime Chenevey, seen here receiving a hug during what was a touching evening, part of which honored her for a recent honor and 25 years of service.
Another active and successful year for the West Holmes High School FFA was celebrated at the school year’s end, and on Saturday, May 10, the West Holmes FFA Chapter held its annual banquet at Harvest Ridge to honor and recognize all the FFA members’ achievements over the past year, as well as to recognize community members for their help and involvement in the FFA.
Prior to any awards being handed out, FFA President Andi Schuch took the podium and paid homage to FFA agricultural instructor Jaime Chenevey, who this year was named the Ohio School Board Northeast Region Vocational Program of the Year for FFA.
On Feb. 1 Chenevey was recognized as a Golden Owl Award honoree, a prestigious state honor.
Each year Ohio FFA recognizes 10 teachers as Golden Owl honorees, where hundreds of nominations are submitted each year. A selection committee chose Chenevey as one of its 10 honorees to be recognized.
Presented by Ohio FFA, Nationwide, Ohio Farm Bureau, Farm Credit Mid-America and AgCredit, ACA, this award recognizes teachers who have made a significant difference in the lives of students and in their community through their dedication to the profession.
Chenevey then submitted a final application to determine the Ohio Ag Educator of the Year, which was announced during the Ohio FFA State Convention this spring, and while she didn’t win, those who know her understand how important her presence and leadership are for the FFA.
“This year has been such a year for Chen,” Schuch said. “While she may not have won first prize, I can honestly say we have been blessed with the best. She spends countless hours to make sure we are successful in our respective areas. Her passion and dedication for her students and the program is evident.”
The hard work and accomplishments produced by her students shows exactly how much Chenevey has impacted the chapter and each student.
“She’s made FFA a once-in-a-lifetime experience for her students,” Schuch said. “Chen pushes us to be the best that we can be and encourages us to shoot for the stars. She is the true definition of servant leader.”
The students presented Chenevey with an Ohio State cooler (her alma mater) filled with OSU cups and 25 gift certificates valued at $25 for her 25 years of service to the program.
That presentation was followed by a lengthy standing ovation from the nearly 300 people in attendance, but the emotional night wasn’t finished yet.
Throughout the evening many FFA students were awarded for their accomplishments. Then Chenevey shared special stories about each of her students, beginning with the freshman class, where Emma McDonnel was awarded the Outstanding Freshman and Star Greenhand honors were presented to Makenzie Mast and Mia Spencer.
In the sophomore class, the Star Chapter Sophomore went to Shane Lorentz while Outstanding Sophomore honors were shared by Carson Horn and Landrie Croskey.
The junior class Gold Star co-award winners were Claire Drzazga and Madison Ringwalt while Blake Patterson and Logan van Dalen co-shared the Outstanding Junior.
Chenevey had plenty of fun ribbing her students as she made each presentation, but as she arrived at the senior group, the emotions of the evening came bubbling to the forefront.
Chenevey shared stories about each of the seniors, handing out Outstanding Senior awards to Gabby Yates, Schuch and Fowler, then presenting the DeKalb Award to Jenna Sheldon.
Chenevey then made the decision to have her seniors turn and face her, something she quickly regretted.
“That may have been a mistake,” Chenevey said, fighting back tears and addressing her seniors. “I have told a lot of people this year about how lucky I am, and you as a class have absolutely blessed me. You do everything I ask and more. It was never-ending. You are going to be hard to replace. Things come in cycles, and I appreciate the cycle you gave me. Thank you so much for what you’ve done for this program. Thank you so much for what you’ve done for this high school.”
Chenevey then spoke to the crowd, adding to her appreciation of the senior class.
“I can’t tell you how special this crew is,” Chenevey said. “They are active all-around. We have athletes, band members, junior fair board members, 4-H members, and some of them are so active they don’t have time for anything else.”
It was a touching tribute to a class that has been exemplary throughout its four years in the program.
At the end of the evening, the current group of FFA officers passed on their duties to the newly elected members including President Madison Ringwalt, Vice President Emma Eberhard, Treasurer Shane Lorentz, secretary Mia Spencer, reporter Courtney Crider, historian Wyatt Troyer, sentinel Makenzie Mast and student adviser Natty Lint.