Scholarships awarded at Centre FFA banquet
The annual Centre High School FFA banquet was held May 7. President Jenna Tajchman led the meeting in which FFA members were recognized for their achievements during the past year.
Several scholarships were awarded. Jesse Brunner, Tampa, presented the Leo Jirak memorial scholarship to Jirak's granddaughter, Maria Jirak.
Beth Riffel presented scholarships from the Centre FFA Alumni Association to Darrin Hajek, Dusty Bina, Simon Makovec, Christopher Will, Brian Klenda, Maria Jirak, Jenna Tajchman, and Natalie Carlson.
Mary Lee Wineinger presented Jenna Tajchman with a $500 Wineinger Memorial Scholarship.
Joe and Barbara Tajchman, parents of chapter president Jenna Tajchman and former member Jessica Lauren, were adopted as honorary members of the Centre FFA chapter.
An audio-video big screen presentation created by Maria Jirak highlighted chapter activities throughout the year.
Members maintaining a 3.5 GPA or above were given a scholarship award. They were: freshman Shaina Makovec; sophomores Andrea Carlson, Raschelle Jirak, Brent Carlson, and Laura Klenda; juniors Derek Belton, Cecilia Rziha, and Kristin Mueller; seniors Natalie Carlson, Jenna Tajchman, and Maria Jirak.
At least 18 members received chapter proficiency awards for various work-related activities.
Star awards were as follows: Dana Beltz, star greenhand; Dusty Bina, star farmer; and Tyler Diepenbrock, star in placement.
Officers elected for the 2002-2003 school year are Derek Belton, president; Kristin Mueller, vice president; Cecilia Rziha, secretary; Dana Beltz, historian; Andrea Carlson, reporter; Laura Klenda, treasurer; Shaina Makovec, Stuco, and Josh Spooner, sentinel.
