Lovell FFA chapter salutes award winners

Names new officers

The Lovell High School FFA chapter celebrated a successful school year, presented awards and installed new officers during a year-end awards night Tuesday at the high school gym.

The meeting was run by the current chapter officers: president Kasey Jordan, senior; vice president Jasper Hatch, senior; secretary Addisyn Perkins, sophomore; treasurer Elyssa Croft, junior; reporter Janemarie McKay, junior; and sentinel Augastina Lembke, senior.

That group later transitioned into the new group of officers for the 2025-26 school year: president Perkins, junior next year; vice president Kelce Winterholler, sophomore next year; secretary Kate Cooper, junior next year; treasurer Chance Hatch, junior next year; reporter Payton Tillett, senior next year; and sentinel Christy Aagard, sophomore next year.

One of the major awards presented at the meeting was the Star Chapter Member Award, given annually in memory of former ag teacher and FFA advisor, the late Dennis Love, who served and taught at LHS from 2000 to 2008.

As noted by presenter Jerilyn Love, Mr. Love’s widow, Dennis Love had a lasting impact not only on the Lovell chapter but on every student, parent and colleague who knew him.

“Dennis was a man with a kind heart and a happy spirit,” Jerilyn said. “He had a genuine love for agriculture, teaching and, especially, welding, which he shared freely and enthusiastically with others … One of his greatest joys was not only teaching his students but learning with them. Being an FFA advisor was not just a job for Dennis, it was his longtime dream.”

Jerilyn noted that the Star Chapter Member Award is given annually to a student who shares Mr. Love’s passion for agriculture, learning, leadership and helping others, and who strives to make a difference, lead with kindness and leave a positive mark on those around them.

This year’s recipient is Kate Cooper, a sophomore. Jerilyn called Cooper a dedicated and inspiring member of the Lovell FFA chapter who is actively involved in horse judging and prepared public speaking.

“As the president of her 4-H club, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment and integrity,” Mrs. Love said. “Despite not holding an officer position this past year, she rose as a key leader for both the horse judging team and the FFA chapter. She devoted countless hours to the growth and success of her peers. Her unwavering work ethic and positive influence makes her an outstanding role model for the next generation of members.”

The Chapter FFA Degree was awarded to four students, with requirements including achieving the Star Greenhand Degree, completing at least 180 hours of agriculture education above the ninth-grade level and having in operation an approved agriculture experience program, among others.

Honored were McKay, junior Elena Aagard, Tillett and Croft.

Officers recognized members for their supervised agricultural experience projects: Payton Tillett, star in equine production proficiency; McKay, star in agricultural communications and vegetable production; Perkins, star in sheep production and in agribusiness; Jordan, star in beef production; Cooper, star in specialty animal production and diversified livestock; Hatch, star in ag mechanic design and fabrication and agriculture placement; Harley Tillett, star in outdoor recreation.

Eight students were awarded the Star Greenhand Degree: Aagard, Winterholler, Sara Wood, Harley Tillett, RaeLee Workman, Lilly Verplancke, Khloe Bassett and Whitney Asay.

Advisor Nick Edelman presented the Star Greenhand Award to Winterholler and recounted the awards won at the Wyoming State FFA Convention.

Always a highlight of the annual awards night is the recognition of those in the community who have assisted the FFA chapter over the years and helped advance agriculture education and/or rendered outstanding service. Honored this year were Max and Aubry Jolley, Ryan Lembke, Chris and Laurel Hatch and Arthur and Maria Aagard.