By Julie Johansen
On Monday, 71 students from Emery High were presented as Greenhand candidates at the Emery FFA (Future Farmers of America) Chapter Induction Ceremony. Emery FFA Chapter Secretary Shaylee Grange read the applicants’ names and advisor Justin Thronley approved them, assuring the officer team that all candidates had completed the requirements for this degree.
The students were presented the Bronze Greenhand pin and certificate by their advisor. Chapter president Korby Christiansen welcomed them to the Emery Chapter and challenged them to work for their State Degree and gold pin.
Fourteen students then received the silver pin, representing the Chapter Degree. This is the highest degree a chapter can bestow on a member. These students were reminded that just as there are metals more precious than silver, there are also higher degrees, such as the gold din for a State Degree and the gold key presented to National Farmer Degree recipients.
Following the degree ceremony, Mr. Thornley explained the FFA program to the parents of the new Greenhands. He also announced some upcoming activities, including a one-day leadership conference in Richfield next Wednesday as well as the state convention and judging contests in February. He also commented that he is pushing for juniors to prepare to apply for their State Degree. Thornley noted that it requires an online record book for three years, which these students now have, and that it much easier to do before the rush of the senior year.
To conclude, Thornley thanked the parents for their support and the officer team performed the closing ceremony.
