A lot of hardware was handed out and tears were shed during the Thorsby FFA awards banquet on May 12 at the Jemison Municipal Complex.

It was an emotional time for the seniors, who knew that it would be one of the last times that the current group was together.

Plaques, medals and certificates were handed out throughout the night to recognize the accomplishments earned at the state and national level since the previous banquet over a year ago.

The banquet was the second annual event and is something that appears to have all the makings of a tradition moving forward.

“I’m here to make them appreciate the most important things in life,” Thorsby agriculture teacher Brian Lucas said. “That’s the icing on the cake.”

Thorsby FFA has been winning awards at some of the highest levels on a consistent basis since 2013.

Much of that success was on display, as pennants from multiple categories of competition hung on lattice panels around the complex.

Rebecca Bland is one of the seniors and has been at the center of the success over the past couple of years by winning the state competition in both poultry and meat judging.

“Over this past year, I have really been working with the younger teams and encouraging them about the opportunities that they have,” Bland said. “This is only the start.”

The experiences gained during their time in the FFA program, has helped shape the way that many of those involved view their future.

According to Bland, she did not know a thing about chickens before she got into FFA and know she is thinking about majoring in poultry science.

“Mr. Lucas worked so hard and he was really like a second dad to us,” senior Kristin Morrison said. We’re all like a family here, and I’m really going to miss that atmosphere.”

Morrison also plans to focus her career plans in poultry science at Auburn University. She currently works with S&G Poultry in Clanton.

“If you had told me as 13-year-old girl in the eighth grade what would have happened over the next five years, I probably would have laughed in your face,” Morrison said. “I am so thankful for where God has placed me, and I could not have asked for better.”