The 2026-2027 Santa Fe FFA Officers were installed on May 3 during the annual Parent/Member Banquet that was held in the new gymnasium. This was the last order of business for the banquet. Front row, from left: Madilyn Montgomery- Co-Reporter, Carleigh Winter- Treasurer, Macy Finkeldei- Historian, Raven Richardson- Secretary, Maleigha Mullins- 1st Vice President. Back: Carrigan Rechterman- Sentinel, Ava Plattner- Student Advisor, Abbie Gieselman- Reporter, Audrey Finkeldei- 2nd Vice President, Parker Finkeldei- President, Sam Hyde- Chaplain, Ethan Meyer- Parliamentarian. (Santa Fe Times photo by Klarissa Olvera)
The Santa Fe FFA Chapter held their annual Parent/Member banquet on Sunday, May 3, in the new gym at Santa Fe High School.
The event consisted of a carry-in meal with meat from Philip & Amy Giffen and cookies from Moose’s Market. During the meal, guests were invited to watch a slideshow of FFA events and activities throughout the year.
Business at the meeting included the speaking of the FFA Creed by Abbie Gieselman and the announcement of various awards and scholarships. The meeting concluded with the installation of the FFA officers for the 2026-27 year.
Abbie Gieselman was the 2026 Santa Fe FFA Creed Speaker. Abbie competed at the Area VI Leadership Development Events in March and she also recited the FFA Creed at the annual Parent/Member FFA Banquet that was held May 3 at Santa Fe High School. (Santa Fe Times photo by Klarissa Olvera)Santa Fe FFA President Keastin Kitchen with the 2026 Santa Fe FFA Honorary Degree members. Honorary Degree members are those that go above and beyond for the FFA chapter and Agriculture Department. The FFA Chapter was proud to add the names (from left) Scott Aversman and Chad Meyer to their list of honorary membership. (Santa Fe Times photo by Klarissa Olvera)Santa Fe FFA members who placed first on their respective CDE team at the Central District Ag Contest earned a banner with their name and contest team. Front row, from left: JoHanna Breshears- Dairy Foods, Abbie Gieselman- Horses, Julie Wieland- Meats, Kaylee Drunert- Entomology, Kyndel Fisher- FFA Knowledge. Back: Koewen Dierker- Forestry, Wyatt Aversman- Nursery Landscape, Will Sowers- Floriculture, Kale Dierker- Agricultural Mechanics, Izzy Boehmer- Agronomy, Karlea Bolser- Livestock, Daniel Alvarado-Perez- Soils. (Santa Fe Times photo by Klarissa Olvera)Santa Fe FFA member Will Sowers earned the award of Top Individual in the Floriculture contest at the Central District Career Development Event. There were 161 individuals in this contest and he placed 1st-high individual overall. This took many hours of studying and dedication to earn this title. (Santa Fe Times photo by Klarissa Olvera)The Santa Fe FFA members who earned prize money as the top fruit selling members were recognized during the banquet. From left: 2nd place Sami & Abbi Mueller (selling $1,375), 1st place Karlea Bolser (selling $2,011), 3rd place Brady Graf (selling $1,283). (Santa Fe Times photo by Klarissa Olvera)Santa Fe FFA members who earned an Excellence in Agriculture award were recognized at the FFA Chapter Banquet on May 3. Front row, from left: Carly Wieland, Shelby McGinnis, Katrhryn Plattner, Jonathan Buford, Korben Dierking, Luke Davis. Back: Baine Arnold, Tucker Byerly, Gavin Ballenger, Will Leabo, Sam Hyde, Reece Elkins. (Santa Fe Times photo by Klarissa Olvera) Three senior Santa Fe FFA members received a Santa Fe Agri-Leaders Scholarship at the annual Parent/Member FFA Chapter banquet on May 3. These members are pursuing a degree in an agriculture field. Presenting the scholarships was Santa Fe Agri-Leaders board member Kinsey Brandt. From left: Brandt, Ethan Finkeldei ($500), JoHanna Breshears ($1,000), Brilee Dierking ($500). FFA member Kale Dierker was awarded the E.W. Browning III Memorial Scholarship during the Santa Fe FFA Banquet held on May 3. Ronda Browning (left) and Jessica Shaver (right), wife and daughter of E.W., were able to present this award during the banquet. (Santa Fe Times photo by Klarissa Olvera)The Santa Fe FFA had four 2026 Brad Hemme Agriculture Scholarship recipients. These seniors were awarded their scholarships at the Santa Fe FFA Banquet on May 3. This scholarship is awarded to FFA members pursuing a degree in agriculture, and will be paid out in teh amount of $1,000 for their sophomore year. From left: Kale Dierker, JoHanna Breshears, Brilee Dierking, Ethan Finkeldei. (Santa Fe Times photo by Klarissa Olvera)The 2026 Agri-Leaders Charter Member Scholarship, in memory of Russell Lee Plattner, was awarded to JoHanna Breshears. JoHanna received this scholarship during the annual FFA banquet on May 3. (Santa Fe Times photo by Klarissa Olvera)The Santa Fe FFA had an outstanding eight recipients of the 2026 Houston Mull Memorial Scholarship. To earn this scholarship, FFA members must sell tickets for the memorial steak dinner and work at the dinner along with being an active FFA member. From left: Karlea Bolser ($750), Abbi Mueller ($750), JoHanna Breshears ($1,000), Keastin Kitchen ($750), Brooke Dierking ($500), Sami Mueller ($750), Kale Dierker ($750), Ethan Finkeldei ($1,000). (Santa Fe Times photo by Klarissa Olvera)The 2026 recipient of the Knipmeyer Seed Agriculture Scholarship, sponsored by Jeff and Lauren Knipmeyer, was Brilee Dierking. Brilee received this scholarship at the 2026 FFA banquet. Brilee is pursuing a degree in Agronomy. (Santa Fe Times photo by Klarissa Olvera)The 2026 Saline County Cattlemen Scholarship recipient was Kale Dierker. This scholarship was awarded at the Santa Fe FFA Banquet on May 3. (Santa Fe Times photo by Klarissa Olvera)The 2026 Santa Fe FFA Star Greenhand is Abbie Gieselman. The Star Greenhand award is earned by a freshmen FFA member who has exemplified outstanding participation in the FFA chapter as well as the star of an outstanding SAE. Abbie was selected to win this award through an application process. (Santa Fe Times photo by Klarissa Olvera)Kale Dierker is the 2026 Santa Fe FFA Star Farmer Recipient. To be eligible for this award the member must be involved in production agriculture of their own. Kale owns cattle along with working on his family farm. Kale was selected to win this award through an application process. (Santa Fe Times photo by Klarissa Olvera)Brady Graf is the 2026 Santa Fe FFA Star in AgriBusiness recipient. To receive this award, a member must own their own business outside of production agriculture. Brady owns a mowing business and services several yards, making him eligible for this award. Brady was selected to win this award through an application process. (Santa Fe Times photo by Klarissa Olvera)Brilee Dierking is the 2026 Santa Fe FFA Star in Placement recipient. To earn this award, a member must work for an individual or business that they do not own themselves. This award is based on hours and money earned and FFA involvement. Brilee was selected to win this award through an application process. (Santa Fe Times photo by Klarissa Olvera)Karlea Bolser is the 2026 Santa Fe FFA Top Participation recipient. Karlea went above and beyond in helping and attending activities for the FFA chapter during the 25-26 school year. Karlea received a certificate and pin for her jacket as well as a free trip to Silver Dollar City. (Santa Fe Times photo by Klarissa Olvera)Wyatt Aversman is the 2026 Damien Owen Trapshoot Grant recipient. Aversman is a two-year member of the Santa Fe FFA Trapshoot team. This grant is for $250 for a member to use for shells or equipment needs to continue trapshooting into the next school year. (Santa Fe Times photo by Klarissa OlveraThe Santa Fe FFA Trapshoot team and the members who competed at the District and State level were recognized during the Chapter Banquet on May 3. Both of these competitions were held at the Missouri Trapshooters Association at Linn Creek, Mo. Wyatt Aversman placed 4th high individual at the Central District Trapshoot. From left: Tyler Tebbenkamp, Korbin Case, Dalton Allen, Wyatt Aversman, Jonathan Buford, Parker Finkledei, Ainsley Hall. (Santa Fe Times photo by Klarissa Olvera)Adalynn Boland was the 2026 Outstanding Sophomore Santa Fe FFA member. Adalynn was chosen for this award through an application process and judged by a committee. Adalynn was presented this award at the 2026 Santa Fe FFA Chapter Banquet on Sunday, May 3. (Santa Fe Times photo by Klarissa Olvera)Raven Richardson was the 2026 Outstanding Junior Santa Fe FFA member. Raven was chosen for this award through an application process and judged by a committee. Raven was presented this award at the 2026 Santa Fe FFA Chapter Banquet held in Greg Prather Gymnasium on May 3. (Santa Fe Times photo by Klarissa Olvera)The 2026 Santa Fe Outstanding Senior was Karlea Bolser. The Santa Fe Agri-Leaders present this award along with a scholarship towards furthering their education. This award is selected based on the members SAE, Scholarship, and their FFA involvement. This was presented to Karlea at the 2026 Santa Fe FFA Banquet held on Sunday, May 3. (Santa Fe Times photo by Klarissa Olvera)Santa Fe FFA member Kaylee Drunert was a 2026 State FFA Choir participant. Kaylee completed an application and was selected for this elite choir opportunity. This included rigorous practice prior to performing at the 98th Missouri State FFA Convention on April 17. (Santa Fe Times photo by Klarissa Olvera)Ten Santa Fe FFA members earned their State FFA Degrees at the 98th State FFA Convention on April 17 in Columbia, MO at the Mizzou Arena. This is the record for Santa Fe FFA in the number of FFA members to earn their State Degree in one year. These members were recognized uring the banquet on May 3. Front row, from left: Brady Graf, Sami Mueller, KeastinKitchen, Abbi Mueller, Kaylee Drunert. Back: Ethan Finkeldei, Kale Dierker, Avy Grado, JoHanna Breshears, Brilee Dierking. (Santa Fe Times photo by Klarissa Olvera)Santa Fe FFA members who were Media Room workers at the 2026 State FFA Convention in April were recognized during the end-of-year Chapter banquet on May 3. These members helped to write press releases, direct members off the stage to the photography area and assisted with social media posts. They earned state degree points for participating in this event as well as a pin for their FFA jacket and a certificate. (Santa Fe Times photo by Klarissa Olvera)Adalynn Boland received a 1st place Area VI Winning Proficiency plaque from State FFA Convention. Adalynn was unable to attend convention, so she was given her award at the Annual FFA Banquet. Adalynn placed 1st in the area of Agricultural Processing, which then qualified her to compete at the state level. (Santa Fe Times photo by Klarissa Olvera)Santa Fe FFA members that earned Area VI Proficiency Awards in February and were awarded them at the annual FFA Banquet on May 3. From left: Ethan Finkeldei- Nursery Operations, Will Sowers- Fiber and/or Oil Crop Production, Kale Dierker- Agricultural Mechanics Repair & Maintenance Placement, Beef Production Entrepreneurship, Beef Production Placement, Karlea Bolser- Diversified Livestock Production, Goat Production, Adalynn Boland- Agricultural Processing, Brilee Dierking- Turfgrass Management, Raven Richardson- Agriculture Mechanics Design & Fabrication, Parker Finkeldei- Diversified Horticulture. (Santa Fe Times photo by Klarissa Olvera)Santa Fe FFA members who earned the Chapter Leadership Award based on their FFA participation for the 25-26 school year were also recognized during the banquet on May 3. Along with the certificate and a pin for their FFA jacket, they all earned a free trip to Silver Dollar City on April 9. These members were the Top 15 based on FFA activity participation. Front row, from left: Trinity Rardon, Abbi Mueller, Keastin Kitchen, Kaylee Drunert, Brady Graf, Maleigha Mullins, Sami Mueller. Back: Karlea Bolser, Raven Richardson, Brilee Dierking, Abbie Giseleman, Brooke Dierking, Parker Finkeldei, Korben Dierking. (Santa Fe Times photo by Klarissa Olvera)Santa Fe FFA members who earned a Chapter FFA Proficiency were recognized during the Chapter banquet on May 3. Members had to complete an application to receive this award. Thirty-six proficiency awards were earned by FFA members. Front row, from left: Raven Richardson, Abbi Mueller, Maleigha Mullins, Sami Mueller, Addy Hostetter, Abbie Gieselman, Trinity Rardon, Dylan Schreiman, JoHanna Breshears. Second row: Kaylee Drunert, Izzy Boehmer, Victoria Morton, Brilee Dierking, Adalynn Boland, Brooke Dierking, Audrey Finkeldei, Karlea Bolser, Logan Wilsie, Luke Davis, Back: Parker Finkeldei, Ethan Finkeldei, Tyler Tebbenkamp, Reese Elkins, Gavin Ballenger, Kale Dierker, Will Sowers. (Santa Fe Times photo by Klarissa Olvera)The 2026 Santa Fe FFA Dairy Foods Team qualified and competed at the 2026 State FFA Convention in Columbia at the University of Missouri Campus on April 15. Team members, from left: JoHanna Breshears, Brooke Dierking, Brilee Dierking, Sami Mueller. (Submitted photo)The 2026 Santa Fe FFA Agronomy Team qualified and competed at the 2026 State FFA Convention in Columbia at the University of Missouri Campus on April 16. Team members, from left: Trinity Rardon, Izzy Boehmer, Victoria Morton, Raven Richardson. (Submitted photo)The Santa Fe FFA Floriculture team placed 1st at the Central District Agriculture Contest on March 31 at the UCM Campus in Warrensburg. This earned them an opportunity to compete at the 2026 State FFA Convention in the Floriculture Contest. Team members with the 1st place plaque they earned, from left: Abbi Mueller, Will Sowers, Ethan Finkeldei, Parker Finkeldei. (Submitted photo) Brilee Dierking is the 2026 Ray-Carroll County Grain Growers Scholarship Recipient. Brilee plans to attend State Fair Community College and major in Agronomy. (Submitted photo)The 2026 Santa Fe FFA SAE Grant recipient was Audrey Finkeldei. This grant is in the amount of $250 for an FFA member with an existing entrepreneurship SAE, or the desire to start a new entrepreneurship SAE. Audrey is the daughter of Jason and Amanda Finkeldei of Waverly and she will be using this grant to continue her Agricultural Processing SAE. (Submitted photo)Santa Fe FFA members who earned a Chapter Scholarship Award were recognized at the annual Parent/Member Banquet on May 3. To earn this award members must have no lower than an A- all four quarters in their respective ag class. Members earning this award received a certificate and pin for their FFA jacket. Front row, from left: Sami Mueller, Tynlee Koch, Kyndel Fisher, Trinity Rardon, Raven Richardson, Abbi Mueller, Addy Hostetter, Keastin Kitchen, Macy Finkeldei, Avy Grado, Madilyn Montgomery, Carleigh Winter. Second row: Adryen Tice, Logan Wilsie, Abbie Gieselman, Audrey Finkeldei, Brady Graf, Brayden Livingston, Jonathan Buford, Adalynn Boland, Brilee Dierking, JoHanna Breshears, Victoria Morton, Kaylee Drunert. Back: Will Sowers, Ethan Finkeldei, Korean Dierker, Daniel Alvarado-Perez, Wyatt Aversman, Kale Dierker, Karlea Bolser, Brooke Dierking, Parker Finkeldei, Will Leabo, Wyatt Rardon, Ava Plattner. (Submitted photo)
