(Atlantic, IA; Submitted News Release) – Atlantic FFA Reporter Addalyn Sonntag, says on Sunday, Mar. 22nd, the Atlantic FFA hosted its annual end-of-year banquet at the Atlantic High School. There were 160 members and guests present at the event.
“The banquet started with the opening ceremonies, led by the 2025-2026 chapter officers. This year, the officers include President Lauren Comes, Vice President Frank Freund, Secretary Lily Johnson, Treasurer Hayden Kleen, Reporter Maddy Anderson, Sentinel Keston Schmitt, and Student Advisor Claire Schroder.
The opening ceremony was followed by a welcome to members and guests, delivered by President Lauren Comes. Lily Johnson then gave a reflection. Lily Johnson gave the secretary’s report, and Hayden Kleen gave the treasurer’s report. Following that, dinner was held for members and guests.
At the conclusion of dinner, two guest speakers spoke to the audience. Tyler and Dylan Comes, the Brothers of FFA President Lauren Comes. The Comes Brothers talked about the impact FFA can have on people and the impact Mr. Miller has had on our chapter.
Following the guest speakers, awards were given out. those recognized for earning 10,000 FFA points throughout their time as a member. These points are earned through getting involved with our chapter. The more activities and events a member participates in, the more points they earn.
Those recognized for reaching 10,000 points included Maddy Anderson, Lauren Comes, Frank Freund, Lily Johnson, Hayden Kleen, Hunter Quist, Keston Schmitt, Claire Schroder, Natalie Smith, Miraylie Stuart, and Kayedance Sturm. This year, we added the 20,000 and 30,000 points club.
Those recognized for reaching 20,000 points include, Maddy Anderson, Frank Freund, Lily Johnson, Hayden Kleen, and Claire Schroder. Lauren Comes was also recognized for reaching 30,000 points. This award is for any FFA member who has a 3.50 GPA at the end of the first semester. Also, you must be an FFA member for at least 3 years.
This year, Atlantic FFA has 9 individuals who qualify this year; Maddy Anderson, Lauren Comes, Frank Freund, Liliana Johnson, Olivia Olson, Claire Schroder, Makenna Schroeder, Natalie Smith, Miraylie Stuart.
Each year, the Star Greenhand is awarded to a first year member who has excelled in FFA and Ag Class. This year, we have a freshman member who has excelled in livestock judging and is always willing to try new things. Chloe Sonntag was awarded the Star Greenhand.
The Star of Ag Placement is an award that is given to a senior member of the FFA. This award is for someone who has worked in a local Ag Business. These 2 individuals have worked on their family farms. Frank Freund and Hayden Kleen were the recipients of this award.
The Star Chapter Farmer is an award for a senior member who works on a farm or has their own livestock. This person has been active in our FFA Chapter and never turned down a challenge. Lauren Comes began her own livestock operation and has a plan to become a livestock representative in the cattle industry.
Every year, the Atlantic FFA chapter awards people in the community the Honorary Chapter Farmer. This year, we have chosen to give 3 awards. The first award goes to a family who donates seed every year for our test plot, have assisted our chapter with projects at Washington Elementary and are always willing to drive vehicles, Jeff and Tara Anderson.
Our next recipient is Mitch Kleen, Mitch has volunteered time and machinery to support our chapter when needed with the test plot and use of his machinery. Rich Smith is always willing to help our chapter and school where ever needed. Their constant support does not go unnoticed and is greatly appreciated.
This year, we had 2 members awarded the Atlantic FFA leadership Award, which is given in appreciation to those who have shown leadership through their years in FFA. These 2 are Lily Johnson and Claire Schroder. The banquet concluded with the installation of new chapter officers.
For the upcoming 2026-2027 year, the new officers include the following: Jacquie Freund as President, Grant Petty as Vice President, Jovie Richter as Secretary, Keaton Schroeder as Treasurer, Addalyn Sonntag as Press Reporter, Chloe Sonntag as Media Reporter, Walter Freund as Sentinel, and Alyson Dreager as Student Advisor.
Shown in the submitted photos:
Star Chapter Farmer Lauren Comes
Star Chapter Ag Placement Frank Freund
Star Chapter Ag Placement Hayden Kleen
Star Greenhand Chloe Sonntag
Academic Achievement Award (Left to right) – Lily Johnson, Miraylie Stuart, Maddy Anderson, Claire Schroder, Lauren Comes, Natalie Smith, Frank Freund, Makenna Schroeder
Retiring FFA Officer Team: Lauren Comes, Frank Freund, Lily Johnson, Hayden Kleen, Maddy Anderson, Keston Schmitt, Claire Schroder.
10,000 point club (Left to right): Front row
Miraylie Stuart, Kayedance Sturm, Claire Schroder, Lily Johnson, Maddy Anderson, Natalie Smith, Back Row: Lauren Comes, Frank Freund, Hayden Kleen, Keston Schmitt, Hunter Quist.
