Johnston, Doneen, Helmuth & Pedersen Receive Recognition from FFA Chapter July 28

The Watford City FFA Chapter held an awards picnic on Tuesday, July 28 at the Kent Pelton Nature Park. Every year, the chapter honors local people who support the FFA by presenting Honorary FFA degrees. This year's recipients were Samantha Doneen and Marlai Johnston. Members also decided at a chapter meeting this year to recognize the following two individuals with awards of appreciation. The Chapter decided at a meeting this year to recognize two individuals with an Award of Appreciation. These recipients were Dr. Bruce Pedersen & Keith Helmuth.

Keith Helmuth has served on our Agriculture Advisory Committee over the past five years and has been very actively involved in our program. He has been a very supportive parent as both his sons are involved in our chapter. His oldest son, Kell has served as president this past year and younger son, Koen will be our Reporter. Our chapter greatly appreciates his support and am very pleased to provide him with this recognition.

Dr. Bruce Pedersen has been a great partner for our Agriculture program. As Veterinarian at Watford City Veterinary Center, Dr. Pedersen and his team have provided a valuable work experience for our students through the CWE program. They have also provided tours for our students on many occasions. Their partnership is greatly appreciated and he is very deserving of an Award of Appreciation.

Samantha Doneen is the agriculture teacher and FFA advisor for Watford City High School. This has been Mrs, Doneen's first year teaching and she has been very valuable for our FFA Chapter. Her blue and gold shines through as she was very involved in her home state of Idaho. Mrs. Doneen stepped right in last summer and created a land judging team, which is a first for our chapter. Throughout the year, she has been encouraging members to get involved and has been an outstanding advisor for our chapter. She is greatly appreciated and deserving of this recognition.  

Marlai Johnston is an alumni of the Watford City FFA Chapter and has always been a strong supporter. Our chapter especially appreciates the support over the past few years as she and her family have established a scholarship in memory of her son Ben, who was also a member of the Watford City FFA Chapter. She has provided for scholarships for two of our members each of the past two years and has also used funds to provide FFA jackets for members in need. Our chapter appreciates Marlai's involvement and is very honored to present her with an Honorary Degree.

"Honorary membership" - farmers, school superintendents, principals, members of boards of education, chapter advisors, teachers, business people, and others who are helping to advance Agricultural Education and the FFA, and who have rendered outstanding service, may be elected to honorary membership by a majority vote of the members present at any regular meetings or convention.