05/26/2026
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Ashland FFA Celebrates 85 years of Student Success at Awards Banquet
Article by Sandra Dee Naas, CTE/Ag Teacher & FFA Advisor
The Ashland FFA Chapter recently hosted its Annual Awards Banquet, celebrating a year of student achievement and 85 years of our Ashland Chapter Charter, leadership, career development, and community involvement. Members, families, alumni, and community supporters gathered to recognize the accomplishments of FFA members and the continued impact of agricultural education.
The evening was led by the 2025–2026 officer team: President Mandy Anderson, Vice President Samuel Marita, Secretary Kelsey Weber, Treasurer Mark Skanse, Reporters Violet Pagac and Kendra Compton, and Sentinel Bezhigakikwe Bear.
Special guests included Section 1 State Vice President Harley Prill and Wisconsin FFA Alumni Association State Vice President Todd C***s, who shared messages of encouragement and support for the chapter and its members.
A major highlight of the evening was the presentation of Leadership and Service Awards. Honors included:
• Chapter Star Greenhand: Kelly Bond
• DeKalb Agricultural Accomplishment Award: Mandy Anderson
• Chapter Star in Agriscience: Kelsey Weber
• Chapter Star in Agricultural Research: Luke Juoni
• Chapter Star in Agricultural Placement: Mandy Anderson
• Chapter Star in Agricultural Production: Samuel Marita
The chapter also celebrated student progress through the FFA Degree system.
• Discovery Degrees: Blake Pritzl, Memphis Whitfield, Jack Lewis, Molly Weber, John Larson, Zach Lavasser, Jackson Lulich, Arnie Litersky, Jon Deters, Mitchell Kreinbring
• Greenhand Degrees: Kelly Bond, Lucy Harvey, Violet Pagac, Kendra Compton, Luke Juoni, Mark Skanse, Wyatt Krolak, Bezhigakikwe Bear, Dakota Cobb, Carleigh Lang
• Chapter Degrees: Luke Juoni
• State Degrees: Kelsey Weber and Samuel Marita
Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Proficiency Awards recognized students for their hands-on agricultural work:
• Bronze: Mandy Anderson (Dairy Placement), Kelsey Weber (Ag Services)
• Silver: Kelsey Weber (Fruit & Nut Production), Luke Juoni (Plant Science Research)
• Gold & State Finalist: Samuel Marita (Diversified Crop Production)
Sam will be competing at the 97th FFA State Convention this June for top honors in Diversified Crop Production.
Students were also recognized for their success in Leadership Development Events (LDEs):
• Creed Speaking: Kendra Compton (1st Place District)
• Prepared Public Speaking: Samuel Marita (1st Place District, 2nd Place Sectional), Mark Skanse (2nd Place District)
• Discussion Meet: Kelly Bond (2nd Place District)
• Employment Skills: Kelsey Weber
• Quiz Bowl Teams: Kelsey Weber, Samuel Marita, Mark Skanse, Kelly Bond, Kendra Compton, along with middle school participants Blake Pritzl, Zach Lavasser, Jaxon Lulich, and John Larson
Career Development and Agriscience participants included Blake Pritzl, Memphis Whitfield, Jack Lewis, and Molly Weber at the district and state middle school levels.
Members representing Ashland FFA at the state and national levels were also honored. Notable recognitions included:
• State & National Proficiency Champion: Maggie Tutor (Equine Placement)
• State Degree Recipient: Maggie Tutor
• LDE State Finalist: Samuel Marita
• FFA State Honors Band: Kelsey Weber
• Chapter Display (1st Place):
Ashland FFA Team
• Agriscience Fair & Tractor
Restoration: Luke Juoni
• Delegates & Leadership Roles: Mandy Anderson, Violet Pagac, Carleigh Lang, Wyatt Krolak, and others
Additional honors highlighted the spirit of the chapter:
• Rookie of the Year: Carleigh Lang
• Team Player Award: Mark Skanse
• Positive Attitude Award: Kelsey Weber
•Always There Award: Samuel Marita
The chapter recognized the support of community partners, including Norvado, Culver’s of Ashland, Air Fox Photography, Country Blossoms Greenhouse, Synergy Cooperative, and Deer Creek Farm, whose contributions help make student opportunities possible.
Senior recognition honored Mandy Anderson and Carleigh Lang for their dedication and contributions to the chapter. Anderson was especially recognized for her leadership as chapter president and her role in organizing the banquet.
Looking ahead, the chapter announced students attending the Washington Leadership Conference this summer: Kelsey Weber, Samuel Marita, Kelly Bond, Bezhigakikwe Bear and Mark Skanse.
The evening concluded with recognition of the outgoing officer team and the introduction of new chapter leaders who will continue to build on the chapter’s success.
President - Sam Marita
Vice President - Kelsey Weber
Secretary - Kendra Compton
Co Treasurers -
Mark Skanse and Luke Juoni
Parliamentarian - Wyatt Krolak
Sentinel - Bezhigakikwe Bear
Historian - Kelly Bond
“The Ashland FFA Awards Banquet has been a celebration of student growth, leadership, and the strong support from our community,” said the Brian Miller, AHS Activities Director. “We are proud of all our members and excited for what their future’s hold.”
The Ashland FFA Chapter continues to empower students to develop leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education into our 86th year and beyond!
Photo: Ashland High School FFA members celebrated 85 years of Ashland FFA on April 19 at the Gathering Barn. The event also celebrated this past year’s achievements for very hardworking FFA members. Pictured are (L to R & F to B) Violet Pagac, Carleigh Lang, Mandy Anderson, Kelsey Weber, Memphis Whitfield, Teresa Beaver, Dakota Cobb, Bezhigakekwe Bear, Kelly Bond, Kendra Compton, Luke Juoni, Aubrea Peterson, Mark Skanse, Wyatt Krolak, and Sam Marita. Photo by Montana Rose Photography.
