Barnesville FFA 96th Annual Banquet: Celebrating Accomplishments

04/19/2026 @ 2:00 pm News, School

The newly installed Barnesville FFA 2026-2027 officers (left-right): Emma Mazgaj (treasurer), Aiden Starr (sentinel), Kierra Phillips (reporter), Ronnie Duvall (president), Reece Bostic (vice president), Addison Blevins (student advisor) and Natalie Burkhart (secretary). [Photo Provided by Marisa Duvall]

by Lisa Gallagher, Barnesville Area News

The Barnesville FFA Spirit Week concluded on Sunday, April 12, with the 96th Annual FFA Banquet at Barnesville High School, decorated in FFA national blue and corn gold. The Barnesville FFA Chapter members and guests shared a meal before proceeding to the auditorium for the awards program.

As part of the opening ceremonies, Vice President Lydia Fuchs took roll call with each officer responding that they were at their station, explaining what their station symbol means. When the roll was complete, President Emma Welch, asked the FFA members why they were here. The members respond in unison, “To practice brotherhood, honor agricultural opportunities and responsibilities, and develop those qualities of leadership, which an FFA member should possess.” The meeting was then declared open.

FFA members received Degrees, awards and scholarships. Seniors were recognized with a slideshow and gifts. Retiring officers addressed the audience before installing next year’s officers.

The meeting ended with FFA members saluting the flag by standing, facing it, and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

State Degree Recipients

American Degree Recipients

Aydan Andrews
Suzanne Carpenter

Payton Dudzik
Eli Messenger

Contest Teams

Job Interview Participants

Addison Blevins — Sophomore Division 3rd
Natalie Burkhart — Junior Division 6th
Lydia Fuchs — Senior Division 3rd

Advanced Parliamentary Procedure

This team was 1st in Sub-Districts and 4th in Districts.

Ronnie Duvall
Emma Mazgaj
Addison Blevins
Aiden Starr
Lydia Fuchs
Rae Burkhart
Kylie Young

Agriculture Communications

They finished 15th at the State Finals.

Natalie Burkhart
Emma Mazgaj
Brooke Watson
Lydia Fuchs
Caileigh Haney (Alternate/Not Pictured)

Public Speaking

Ronnie Duvall — Extemporaneous

Duvall placed 1st in Sub-Districts and 2nd in Districts. He was also a state competitor.

Ag Sales

The team placed 7th in the Districts.

Ronnie Duvall
Carson Johnson

Brooke Watson
Emma Welch

General Livestock Judging

The liverstock judging teams placed at the following invitationals: 9th at ATI, 4th at Marysville, 9th at Wilmington, 1st at Southeastern, 5th at Indian Lake, and 2nd at Circleville.

Addison Blevins
Mac Cacioppo
Brady Gallagher
Aiden Starr

Reece Bostic
Ronnie Duvall
Carson Johnson
Brooke Watson

Natalie Burkhart
Lydia Fuchs
Emma Mazgaj
Emma Welch

*The high point team scorers for the Barnesville FFA livestock judging season (left-right): Mac Cacioppo, Carson Johnson, Lydia Fuchs and Ronnie Duvall.* [Photo provided by Barnesville FFA]

On March 28, the Barnesville FFA team competed at the Ohio FFA General Livestock Prelims and placed sixth. This team included Emma Welch, Emma Mazgaj, Brooke Watson, Lydia Fuchs, Ronnie Duvall, Reece Bostic, Carson Johnson, and Mac Cacioppo. Four team members will compete on April 24 against the other top 10 teams in oral reasons.