The Fredericksburg FFA held its annual banquet on Wednesday night to celebrate another successful year for the program. The event, held at the Gillespie County Farm Bureau, also saw the installation of new officers for the 2026-2027 school year and recognized the graduating seniors.

“The growth and success of an FFA program like ours, requires outstanding leadership from top level students. As teachers, we guide the students, but the organization is still student led,” said Patrick Padgett, an FHS agriculture teacher. “ We are proud to recognize certain students who have exemplified work ethic, character and attitude that all students should strive to obtain.” This year’s Joe L. Tatum award, recognizing leadership, went to Cassidy Kothmann.

The Fredericksburg FFA accumulated $1 million in scholarship funds through stock show sales this year. The program had over 100 high school students and junior FFA members show at competitions around the state.

“Stock show is an integral part of Fredericksburg FFA,” said Greyson Crenwelge, the FHS Reporter. “Livestock showing is easily most recognizable activities were involved in. Our reputation is one of the best in the state. That is because we have tremendous livestock families.”

The graduating class were recognized for their years of service to the organization, andsomereceived scholarships during the program. The FFA booster club awarded five scholarships to Jacquelyn Reeh, Jaycee Treibs, Rayleigh Beyer, Cassidy Kothmann and Greyson Crenwelge. This year’s C. Jason Spence Legacy Award, drawn out of a silver pitcher, went to Rayleigh Beyer. McLean Ford awarded scholarships to Rayleigh Beyer and Greyson Crenwelge. And, the Gillespie County Junior Livestock Show awarded $14,500 to seniors.

Community Member Sloan Dennis was given an Honorary Chapter Degree for his support of Fredericksburg FFA.

Outgoing officers made way for the new group. Next year’s officers will be:

• Nora Schoessow, President • Audie Usener, Vice President

• Jorie Jenschke, Treasurer • Brodie Roeder, Secretary • Jinger Ellebracht, Chaplain

• Tripp Barnett, Historian • Hadley Maner, Parliamentarian • Lily Hickman, Student Advisor

• Palin Schneider, Sentinel • Chapel Herber, Reporter Nineteen Fredericksburg High School alumni were named American Degree Recipients, the highest degree an FFA member can achieve. Less than 1% of members receive the degree. This brings the total number of FHS recipients to over 80, the highest of any school in Texas since 2011.