FFA celebrates growth despite adversity

            The Haywood High School FFA chapter held an end-of-year celebration last Thursday. The banquet was used as an opportunity to recognize growth within the chapter for the 2020-2021 school year.

            Recognizing the effects of a global pandemic, this year’s event looked a little different than years past, explains FFA advisor Madison Lewis: “While our focus has always been on relationships and achievement, the struggles of this year have honed our intentionality. Usually the celebration is intended to highlight the outside accomplishments of our members, but in light of recent circumstances, we chose to focus on the foundation of our chapter: our students. They are the heart of our chapter and have continued to represent us well. Through unprecedented adversity, our officer group and seniors have especially risen to the occasion and continued to shine both academically and through community outreach.”

            Highlights of the evening included dinner, a retiring address from chapter president Shelby Littlejohn and a review of local activities.

            The 98-member Haywood FFA chapter is led by three advisors: Callie Coats, John Joyner and Madison Lewis.

           2020-2021 Haywood FFA chapter officers pictured above L-R: Ashton Doyle, reporter; Addison Doyle, secretary; Shelby Littlejohn, president; Chelsea Goodman, Vice President and Kaleb Goodman, sentinel. Not pictured: Christopher Swalm, treasurer.