Approximately 625 people filled the Granton School Fieldhouse Oct. 17, 2015, to join in celebrating 75 years of the Granton FFA Chapter.

The agriculture education department opened in the fall of 1940 and held initial agriculture courses for farm boys.  At that time a local FFA chapter was also formed and the charter was issued at the state convention in June 1941.

Many past FFA members and officers returned to Granton to help the current FFA and FFA Alumni members reminisce and reflect on the changes and traditions of the chapter in the past 75 years.

The celebration began with a full buffet meal of chicken and roast beef, potatoes and gravy, many salads and much more.  Thanks to generous donations and support, the meal was free to all those attending.  Volunteers brought over 200 different salads; at least 35 volunteers came together to peel over 300 lbs. potatoes.

A program featuring some traditional banquet agenda items, plus a few additional celebratory activities followed the meal.

Francis Steiner served as the agriculture instructor for 39 of the 75 years of the program’s existence.  His two sons, Greg and Kevin, shared their memories of the program under his wings.

Greg and Kevin Steiner share memories of the Granton FFA program
under the 39-year reign of their father, Francis Steiner.

Current agriculture educator Cheryl Steinbach described how the program has evolved and changed in the past 35 years.

Alumni president Denny Jakobi shared many agricultural and FFA statistics and information items, including highlights of how the local FFA alumni affiliate helps out the chapter.

Eleven first-year high school members were recognized at the banquet by being installed as High School Greenhand members, including: Alaina Strey, Kayla Johnson, Dillon Muraski, Natasha Bandt, Austin Carver, Ceasar Young, Mason Tennant, Emma Koller, Haven Tennant, Amanda Dittman and Ashley Dittman.

Several adults were also honored as part of the traditional banquet format.

Receiving Honorary FFA degrees were Char Johnson, Mark and Kelli Elmhorst and Bob and Jennifer VandeBerg.  A Distinguished Service citation was awarded to Denny and Tracy Jakobi.  Wayne and Janice Kuhl were given the VIP Award.

The program included showings of a historical video and a current events video.  Once the program concluded, past members posed for group photos based on the offices they held.  Many enjoyed tours of the school, agriculture education facility and school forest.

The evening concluded with a 15-minute fireworks display at the Community Park and a social event at the Granton Community Center.

Just 10 days later, 53 FFA members and chaperones headed to the National FFA Convention in Louisville, KY, to celebrate once again.

The Agricultural Communications team of Angel Kowal, Cassidie Pongratz and Jillian Tyler complete.  Brandon Anding is a national finalist in the Chevron Delo Tractor Restoration contest.  Kenny Pettit is one of four finalists in the Forest Management National Proficiency award contest.

The chapter was recognized at the convention as a 3-Star National Chapter award recipient.  The following sex member earned the American FFA degree, the highest one can attain at the national level: Bobby Olson, Mary Olson, Billy Pongratz, Jeff Richmond, Josh Short and Andrea Wucherpfennig.

The group took several tours while at the convention and attended numerous sessions and workshops, all as part of the 75-year celebration.

  

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