Written by Caitlyn Earven - Inola FFA Reporter
The Inola FFA Chapter held its annual Awards Banquet on May 11, 2026, recognizing the accomplishments, leadership, and dedication of its members throughout the 2025–2026 school year. During the evening, students were honored for achievements in Career Development Events (CDEs), Leadership Development Events (LDEs), proficiency awards, and FFA degree ceremony. The chapter also recognized community members with honorary awards for their continued support and commitment to the Inola FFA program.
Several students received special recognition through the chapter’s annual star awards.
Molli Whitecotton was named Star Discovery, Abby Ellison earned Star Greenhand, and Chism Day was recognized as the Star Chapter Farmer.
The banquet also celebrated four graduating seniors: Kinslee Frye, Lane Harris, Rhyan Hadley, and Delaney Gibson. Among them, Kinslee Frye, Rhyan Hadley, and Delaney Gibson received the State FFA Degree at the 100th Oklahoma State FFA Convention, the highest degree awarded at the state level.
Throughout the year, Inola FFA members competed in five Leadership Development Event teams and 11 Career Development Event teams, demonstrating teamwork and dedication.
The chapter experienced significant success across these competitions during the school year.
The 5 LDES were: Junior and Senior Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Public Speaking, Employment Skills, and AG Sales. The 10 CDES were: Horse Judging, Poultry Judging, Cattle Grading, Electricity, Shooting Sports, Floriculture, Ag Communications, Vet Science, Welding contests and Livestock Judging.
The evening concluded with the introduction of the 2026–2027 Inola FFA Chapter Officer Team. The new officer team includes President Scotty Walton, Vice President Tate Unrau, Secretary Kaylynn Farar, Treasurer Cambrey Gibson, Reporter Caitlyn Earven, Sentinel Chism Day, and Chaplain Abby Ellison. The team consists of three returning officers and four newly elected members who will lead the chapter during the upcoming year.
As the chapter looks ahead to the 2026–2027 school year, members and advisors are excited for the opportunities, growth, and success that lie ahead. With strong leadership and continued community support, Inola FFA looks forward to another year of achievement, service, and involvement for its members.
The Spotlight Award is an award that shines a light on influential supporters who dedicate their time to help our students be their best selves. This year we recognized four community members. These members were: Mr. JayDean Yoder, Mr. Randy Miller, Ms. Baili Hulet, and Ms. Hilary Hobbs. These people always showed up for the chapter to make an impact on our students.
The Honorary FFA Degree is given to a person in the community who has provided exceptional, long-term service to our FFA program and for those that go above and beyond daily contributions. This has been a tradition in FFA to give back to the people who always lend a helping hand to our chapter. This year our honorary degree was given to the Inola High School principal Heather Ellis, and High School Assistant principal TJ Helling.
