Young farmers recognize leaders, name officers

  • The Fannin County Young Farmer’s Association recognized several individuals at the organization’s annual banquet Friday night, February 7. Young farmer and high school senior Layne Epperson was recognized as a valuable asset and was awarded a 2020 membership to the Fannin County Young Farmer’s Association as well as a t-shirt. Presenting the shirt is 2019 Secretary Theresa Wollschlager.
    The Fannin County Young Farmer’s Association recognized several individuals at the organization’s annual banquet Friday night, February 7. Young farmer and high school senior Layne Epperson was recognized as a valuable asset and was awarded a 2020 membership to the Fannin County Young Farmer’s Association as well as a t-shirt. Presenting the shirt is 2019 Secretary Theresa Wollschlager.
  • Shelby Pierce was recognized as a valuable asset to agriculture and was awarded a membership for 2020 with the Fannin County Young Farmer’s Association. She also received a t-shirt recognizing her accomplishment. Presenting the honor is,Theresa Wollschlager, 2019 secretary of the Fannin County Young Farmer’s Association.
    Shelby Pierce was recognized as a valuable asset to agriculture and was awarded a membership for 2020 with the Fannin County Young Farmer’s Association. She also received a t-shirt recognizing her accomplishment. Presenting the honor is,Theresa Wollschlager, 2019 secretary of the Fannin County Young Farmer’s Association.
  • Recognized as a valuable asset to agriculture, Brooke Crowder was awarded a 2020 membership to the Fannin County Young Farmer’s Association as well as a t-shirt, which is being presented by 2019 Secretary Theresa Wollschlager.
    Recognized as a valuable asset to agriculture, Brooke Crowder was awarded a 2020 membership to the Fannin County Young Farmer’s Association as well as a t-shirt, which is being presented by 2019 Secretary Theresa Wollschlager.
  • Fannin County Young Farmer’s Association officers for 2020 were recognized. Shown are, from left Secretary Terri Long, Director of Public Relations and 2019 Outstanding Member Applicant Margery Dallas, Treasurer Kenny Holland, Vice President Darrel Davis and President and 2019 Farm Family Kenny Queen.
    Fannin County Young Farmer’s Association officers for 2020 were recognized. Shown are, from left Secretary Terri Long, Director of Public Relations and 2019 Outstanding Member Applicant Margery Dallas, Treasurer Kenny Holland, Vice President Darrel Davis and President and 2019 Farm Family Kenny Queen.

    “I know when I came here a couple weeks ago ... I saw kids with passion. I saw kids developing self worth. I saw kids developing discipline and kids that have had something to latch onto that was giving them a purpose,” Fannin County Schools' Director of Applied and Integrated Instruction Lucas Roof said during the Fannin County Young Farmer’s Association (FCYFA)Annual Awards Banquet Friday, February 7. 

    “I also know that agriculture is extremely important to the history of Fannin County, the present of Fannin County and the future of Fannin County,” he said.

    Followed by a barbecue dinner with all the fixings, 2019 Future Farmers of America President Patrick Conner introduced guests to their program.

    The following awards were presented to their corresponding recipients:

     •Tayelor Long for competing in the Agriculture Spokesperson Competition;

    •Seth Davis for placing top five in the north region of the Youth Beginning Producer Application;

    •Margery Dallas as the Outstanding Member Applicant for 2019;

    •Kenny and Shirley Queen as the Farm Family for 2019; and,

    •Mercier Orchards for the 2019 Distinguished Service Award.

    Special recognition was given to three Fannin County High school seniors: Layne Epperson, Shelby Pierce and Brooke Crowder. The trio were awarded a membership to the association for 2020 and a t-shirt.

    Plaques were also presented to several FCYFA supporters, including representatives of local businesses and farms. 

    FCYFA officers for 2020 were announced:

    •President Kenny Queen;

    •Vice President Darrel Davis;

    •Secretary Terri Long;

    •Treasurer Kenny Holland; and,

    •Director of Public Relations Margery Dallas.

    Fannin County School System Superintendent Michael Gwatney said, “I can honestly tell you that vocational CTAE/STEM education in Fannin County, the best is yet to come. I promise you.”

    Gwatney thanked Fannin County taxpayers for passing the SPLOST funds that have allowed Fannin County High School “to have this multi-million dollar facility (agriculture facility) debt free.”