The Pocahontas County agricultural community came together to honor members of the Pocahontas County High School FFA Chapter at the annual banquet May 11.

Awards and special gifts were presented to the students, as well as a special surprise gift for co-advisor Sammantha Bartley and her husband, Chris.

President Chloe Bland explained that while the chapter was at the National Competition, they were two tickets short for a Blake Shelton concert. The Bartleys elected to stay behind at the hotel in order for the rest of the group to attend the concert.

Bland announced that club members pitched in to buy tickets for the Bartleys to see Brantley Gilbert at the West Virginia State Fair, in Fairlea. Bland also presented co-advisor Scott Garber with a gift certificate to the Menﾒs Shop, in Marlinton, for his efforts in helping the forestry team succeed.

Garber recognized the four members of the forestry team: Spencer Carr, Drew Caloccia, Jed Sheets and Steven Casto, who won first place on the state level and seventh at nationals.

Two PCHS teachers received honorary FFA degrees for their assistance to the club. Electricity teacher Gary Beverage and ProStart teacher Teresa Mullen have both helped the club by offering their own and their studentsﾒ assistance.

The Greenhand Degree was presented to Chase Fisher, Cameron Dunbrack, Brian Wilfong, Cole Nelson and Logan Mann.

Receiving the Chapter Degree were James Riley, Spencer Carr, Clair Mosesso, Cody Himelrick, Karey Barb, Steven Casto and Ashley Peacock.

Proficiency Awards are presented to students who excel in specific agriculture disciplines. Those receiving the award this year were: Chase Fisher, Agriculture Mechanics; Rosie Perkins, Veterinarian Science; Emily Gibson, Equine Science; Clair Mosesso, Swine Production; Steven Casto, Grain Production Placement; Spencer Carr, Diversified Agriculture Production; and Chloe Bland, Poultry Production.

The 2011-2012 officers installed the new officers for the 2012-2013 school year: President, Spencer Carr; Vice President, Clair Mosesso; Secretary, Emily Gibson; Treasurer, James Riley; Reporter, Drew Caloccia; and Sentinel, Steven Casto.

Bartley announced that two new officer positions will be filled for the new year. Parliamentarian, by Kindra Carr; and Historian, by Joshua Carr.

Dinner was served by ProStart and SkillsUSA students.