The Oklahoma FFA Association held its first ever virtual awards show on May 12 and Hennessey FFA was well-represented as seven students received awards.

Elizabeth Pribil, Kaden Mitchell, Gage Zelnicek and Derik Fuksa received the State FFA Degree, the highest degree given at the state level.

Mitchell was also recognized as a career passport recipient in the area of Agricultural Communications.

Hennessey FFA had four state proficiency finalists, three of whom were state champions in their respective areas.

Ryan Pribil was a state champion in Diversified Ag Production - Entrepreneurship.

Tyler Trotter earned a state championship in Goat Production - Entre preneurship and Mitchell in Turf Grass Management - Entrepreneurship.

Elizabeth Pribil placed third in the area of Beef Production - Entrepreneurship.

Following is more information on the State FFA Degree winners:

Elizabeth Pribil

FFA Career Highlights: Two time Star Chapter Farmer, 2020 Beef Production - Entrepreneurship state proficiency finalist, 2020 National Junior Hereford Association Fed Steer Shootout national finalist, four-time Blue and Gold Sausage high seller, Washington Leadership Conference attendee.

Favorite FFA Memory: There are countless, but if I had to pick one it would have to be at the state meat judging contest when the bus wouldn’t stop beeping, forcing us to ask the King fisher kids for help.

Derik Fuksa

FFA Highlights: Two time chapter Best Hand Award, chapter Community Service Award, three year chapter officer, Washington Leadership Conference attendee.

Favorite FFA memory: Every single one of them.

Gage Zelnicek

FFA Highlights: Threeyear chapter officer, reserve champion Dorset market lamb and premium sale qualifier at the Oklahoma Youth Expo 2017, three-year chapter officer, Washington Leadership Conference attendee.

Favorite FFA Memory: I was in the show ring and a sheep had gotten away from an exhibitor. I ended up catching that sheep and mine got away. I saw it rounding the corner and I jumped in front of it. If I had not done this, it would have landed on the girl. I got hold of the sheep and got the biggest round of applause I’ve ever received in my life.

Kaden Mitchell

FFA Highlights: Threetime state proficiency finalist in Turf Grass Management - Entrepreneurship, 2020 Northwest District Star in agribusiness, FFA Career Passport recipient, Washington Leadership Conference attendee.

Favorite FFA Memory: The trip to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis is my favorite memory. The car ride alone was one of the best parts. We listened to an OSU football game on the radio. Every time I would try to close my eyes, Mr. (Jorge) Huizar kept yelling “PEW PEW, pistols firing, touchdown Oklahoma State University!” (I am an OU fan.)