Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SYRACUSE - Channel 16's morning news personality Trisha Sloma confessed to her audience she felt uncomfortable in her clothes, underdressed, she said.
Before the astonished audience of more than 270 FFA members, parents and guests attending the annual Wawasee FFA program in the high school's auditorium Thursday, she began to undress, turning modestly away to unbutton her suit coat.
Reaching into a nearby duffel bag she slipped into something more appropriate, the blue and gold FFA jacket she wore in high school with "Ohio" embroidered across the back.
"It still fits," she said, turning to applause and calling her years in 4-H and FFA, where she received national honors in public speaking, unforgettable.
Sloma talked about life before the television cameras, which begins at 3 a.m. each day.
"I always find some fun," she said, "something to be happy about."
She admonished the FFA members especially to be strong enough that "no one disturbs your health, happiness and prosperity.
"Devote so much time to the improvement of yourself, you have no time to criticize others," she said.
The annual awards banquet is an opportunity for the Wawasee chapter to recognize members, parents and community sponsors for their contributions throughout the year.
Chapter awards were presented to Sarah Banghart, who received the Freshman Leadership Award and the Star Chapter Greenhand Award; Eric Kaiser, Sophomore Leadership Award; Brad Clayton, Junior Leadership Award and Star Chapter Production Award; Marc Roberts, DeKalb Leadership Award; Ben Schlipf, Star Chapter Agribusinessman Award.; and Jennifer Russell, Adviser's Award.
Senior Katie Darr earned the Blue and Gold Award, Agricultural Education Scholarship; the Chad Beer Memorial Scholarship Award and the Ray E. Darr Memorial Scholarship Award. She plans to attend Purdue University in the fall.
Senior Scholarship Award winners were Spencer Baumgartner, Katie Darr, Marc Roberts, Heidi Schock, Matt Frazier and Zach Koher.
Jerry Lambert received the Distinguished Service Award, presented to adults in the community who have continually demonstrated their support and encouragement to the FFA.
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Darr, Mr. and Mrs. Jon Roberts and Mr. and Mrs. Doug Shock were presented the Honorary Chapter FFA Degrees, and certificates of appreciation went to Jim Chapman, Bob Bowerman and Maple Leaf Feed Mill and Byron Oswald and the Wawasee High School custodial staff.
Chapter officers for 2002-03: Marc Roberts, president; Katie Darr, vice president; Brad Clayton, secretary; Heidi Shock, treasurer; Abby Ostrowski, reporter; and Ben Schlipf, sentinel; installed officers for 2003-04: Ben Schlipf, president; Brad Clayton, vice president; Virgil Sharp, secretary; Eric Kaiser, treasurer; Jennifer Russell, reporter; and Steven Hall, sentinel.
