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Thorsby FFA reminisced about the success from the past year during its annual awards banquet on May 11.

There was plenty of recognition to go around, especially for the senior class, which has helped put the Thorsby program on the map nationally over the past six years.

Many of the seniors joined FFA in seventh grade and have since established a legacy of excellence.

“It’s easy to forget all the stuff that you’ve done and accomplished,” senior Jason Brackner said. “All those memories just come rushing back.”

Five teams competed for championships last year with the possibility to equal or surpass that mark in 2018.

“The last six years and what all has happened during that time are memories that will last a lifetime,” senior Rianna Green said.

Green’s time in FFA helped her decide that she wanted to pursue a career in the field of agriculture.

“Mr. [Brian] Lucas has been a great impact in all of our lives,” Green said. “Words cannot describe how thankful we are of him.”

Despite multiple trips competing as a team at the national level, Brackner found that each trip was its own experience.

“Anyone who has ever gone on one of those national trips, their life is changed for the better in some way,” Brackner said.

Several seniors recorded a series of videos where they summed up their time in FFA and what Lucas meant to them as a teacher and a leader.

“It [graduation] has come quicker than a lot of us have suspected,” Green said. “The last two months flew by in about two seconds.”

According to Thorsby ag teacher Brian Lucas, the videos were a surprise to him and something that meant a lot coming from his students.

“They know me better then anybody else,” Lucas said. “It means a lot, and that is why I enjoy doing what I do. I’m honest with them, and they’re honest with me.”