TONTOGANY — The Otsego FFA celebrated 60 years at its annual banquet on Thursday evening.
“FFA members are living the theme of Just One. Just one — one moment, one encounter, one opportunity is
all it takes to radically change the course of our lives,” said the chapter president Seth Pullins in
his introduction.
“This year our theme Just One recognizes the importance of each individual — just one step toward growth
as we work toward our vision of growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture.
Changing the world sounds like daunting task at times, yet we believe FFA members can change the world
every day by just one simple action. Just one chance. Just one risk. Just one step. Just one moment of
courage. We are capable of shaping the future of agriculture, our homes, communities and the United
States of America, when we believe in the power of just one.”
The chapter announced the Ohio FFA Association, from its National Chapter application that the chapter
has been selected as an overall top 10 chapter in the state as well as a gold medal chapter.
Otsego FFA also was selected as a top 10 chapter in the state in all three areas of the National Chapter
program — Growing leaders, Strengthening Agriculture and Building Our Communities.
At state convention, the chapter will be presenting in all three areas as members are competing for the
top place in the state.
It was also announced that the chapter’s Barn Raising campaign has resulted in the barn being completed
with many of the equipment and supplies being moved into the new facility. Donors were recognized.
Awards were presented to three adults as Honorary Chapter Members. Those were awarded to Dick Bostdorff,
Eva Vasher and Rick Haskins.
Bostdorff’s has been a great asset to the FFA Chapter with the Otse-Grow project, according to the
introduction. Though retired as owner and operator of Bostdorff Greenhouse, he has continued to help
with the chapter’s greenhouse and Otse-Grow projects for the past few years. He is always willing to
answer questions about plant growth, fertilizers and pesticides and greenhouse operations.
Bostdorff has also been a guest speaker on multiple occasions and was instrumental in the construction of
the greenhouse and the placement of the raised beds and greenhouse. He has donated supplies, lights,
plants and his time.
Vasher is director of transportation, and custodial services for Otsego Local Schools. She plans and
helps get get FFA members to many different events throughout the school year. She helps with any issues
they have with the greenhouse, ag shop and the ag classroom.
Haskins has been key in getting the FFA Barn built. He has worked many hours in the planning and
finishing work inside the barn. He has done electrical work, organized the concrete pad and has
installed fans, lighting and insulation in the barn. He is now working on building a loft in the barn.
During his years at Otsego, Haskins was the maintenance and grounds supervisor. He oversaw many projects
for the chapter through the years.
The top fruit sales people were recognized for their efforts in the annual fundraiser. The top five were
Courtney Reyome with $2,203, Derek Michaelis at $1,336, Carlee Heckerman with $1,335, Isaac Brewster
with $1,187 and Jacob Caris selling $1,030.
The top scholars were also recognized. The top achievements in the career development events in various
contests were recognized. Those included the Novice Parliamentary Procedure team, which placed third
place in its division at the state contest.
Next month, Trey Battin, Dane Creps, Madison Dzierwa, Logan Frost, Hunter Smith and Amber Underwood will
receive their State FFA Degrees at the State FFA Convention.
Jacob Thomas and Shannon Weihl are on their way to receiving the golden key of the American FFA Degree.
Their applications have been completed and passed through three out of the four evaluation processes.
The National FFA must review the applications and declare them recipients of the American FFA Degree.

Otsego FFA also presented the chapter proficiency awards, Those were awarded to Jacob Caris, accounting;
Montgomery Alexander, ag education, equine science – placement and swine production; Madison Dzierwa, ag
communications and agriscience research; Dane Creps, ag mechanics design and fabrication; Ben Gray, ag
mechanics repair and maintenance and ag services; AJ Thomas, ag sales; Sydney Mazey, beef production –
entrepreneurship; Collin Britton, beef production – placement; Cade Limes, diversified crop production
and grain production; Will Gase, diversified livestock production; Brittany Euler, equine science –
placement and forage production;
Amelia Pullins, fruit production; Abby Gase, goat production; Macy Thomas, home and community
development; Trey Battin, landscape management and specialty animal production; Amber Underwood, outdoor
recreation; Savannah Hernandez, poultry production-entrepreneurship; Daniel Nixon. poultry production –
placement; Kylie Brinkman, small animal production and care; Sadie Helberg, specialty crop production –
entrepreneurship and vegetable production-placement; Eve Serrato, turf grass management; Courtney
Reyome, vegetable production entrepreneurship.
Seth Pullins received the AgCredit 110 Percent award. It is presented to a member who has participated in
nearly every chapter activity.
The Stars Over Otsego awards recognize various students. Abbey Eiben received the Star Greenhand, which
is awarded to a first year member who has participated in chapter activities, had excellent scholarship
and has contributed to the success of the chapter.
AJ Thomas earned the Star in Agricultural Placement, which is awarded to an FFA member who has an
outstanding SAE in agribusiness or production agriculture.
Madison Dzierwa got the Star in Agriscience, which is awarded to an FFA member who has outstanding SAE in
agriculture where a member learns by doing in either owning or working an agricultural business.
Sydney Mazey and Montgomery Alexander received the Star in Agribusiness, which is awarded to an FFA
member who has outstanding SAE for an agribusiness. The agribusiness can be in production or service
area of agriculture. The member must also be an outstanding leader.
Seth Pullins was recognized as the Star Farmer, which is awarded to chapter degree members who have
exhibited leadership skills, have a strong production SAE project and have contributed to the success of
the chapter.
The new officers for the chapter were installed before the adjournment.