The Kingfisher FFA Chapter held its annual End-of-Year Banquet on Tuesday, May 12, at the Kingfisher County Fairgrounds. The banquet serves as a time to reflect on the year, recognize accomplishments, award scholarships and degrees, honor graduating seniors and outgoing officers, and announce the new officer team for the upcoming school year.
Members, families, and guests enjoyed a dinner catered by The Smokehouse Collective before the evening’s program began. This past year’s officer team was introduced, including Savannah Hardison, President; Caroline Swafford, Vice President; Jayson Heldermon, Secretary; Josh Finley, Treasurer; Lily Lunsford, Reporter; and Carson Swafford, Sentinel. The officers then led the opening ceremonies before a review of the chapter’s activities and accomplishments throughout the year.
Senior officers were presented with their graduation cords, and several scholarships were awarded during the evening. The Kenneth Yost Memorial Scholarship was presented by Kenneth’s grandchildren, Hadley Yost and her younger brother, and awarded to Ryanna Ward. The Dorma Hobbs Scholarship was presented by her granddaughter, Jaryn Frey Buseman, and awarded to Ariana Alvarez Vega, while the Connie King Freeman Memorial Scholarship was presented by Savannah Hardison and awarded to Josh Finley.
Numerous chapter members received Discovery FFA Degrees and Greenhand Degrees. Kaitlee Martin was named Rookie of the Year, and the Star Greenhand Award was presented to Rylan Burns. Five members earned their Chapter FFA Degrees.
One of the most heartfelt moments of the evening came during the seniors’ Honorary FFA Degree presentations. As graduating members leave the organization, they are given the opportunity to thank those who have supported them throughout their journey by presenting honorary degrees, often to parents or family members.
Each speech was filled with gratitude, reflection, humor, and plenty of emotion. There was also apparently a memorable story involving a chocolate cake, one of those moments where “you just had to be there.”
Jayson Heldermon presented honorary degrees to his father and stepmother, as well as his grandparents. Josh Finley honored his mother and father, while Ariana Alvarez Vega presented her honorary degree to her mother.
Current chapter president Savannah Hardison then delivered her farewell address as she passed the gavel to the next president. She reflected on her time serving the chapter with sincerity, gratitude, and a few tears as she thanked everyone who helped shape her FFA experience thus far.
The evening concluded with a humorous “Friends” inspired officer video battle over who gets the apartment, if you know, you know, followed by a slideshow highlighting memories from the year before the announcement of the 2026-2027 officer team: Paykus Graham, Sentinel; Hunter Bieren, Reporter; Rylan Burns, Treasurer; Carson Swafford, Secretary; Savannah Hardison, Vice President; and Caroline Swafford, President.
The Kingfisher FFA Chapter extends its appreciation to all members, families, supporters, and community members for another successful year and looks forward to continued growth, leadership, and achievement in the year ahead.
Photos by AAK Maitland Woody.
