Staff writer
At least 125 FFA members and guests attended the Centre High School FFA banquet Thursday.
For Cary Granzow, it was the last FFA banquet he directed as an FFA adviser and agriculture education instructor. He is retiring at the end of the school year.
A farmer on the side, Granzow described his 32-year tenure at Centre High School as “like being a farmer with fertile ground.”
“Agriculture education gave me a huge opportunity as a teacher,” he said.
He was referring to the many students he mentored who excelled in competition and leadership roles and went on to successful careers. He also supervised 10 student teachers.
“I couldn’t have had a better plan for my life if I had written it down,” he said.
He encouraged the freshman FFA members to get involved, as well as seniors when they get to college.
Granzow praised the adults for their unceasing support of the FFA program.
“Thank you so, so much!” he said.
The group viewed a video created by junior Dani Spohn about Granzow‘s years as an FFA adviser.
The FFA Alumni Association presented Granzow and his wife, MaryAnn, with a limestone lawn marker. Alumni president Bill Kassebaum made the presentation.
“We wish you the best of luck in your retirement,” Granzow’s teaching partner Laura Klenda said.
“I’m sure we’ll see you around,” she added.
After his retirement, Granzow will be engaged full-time in his diversified farming operation in the Latimer community northeast of Herington.
Numerous awards were handed out to active members. 18 freshmen received Greenhand degrees and 16 sophomores received chapter degrees.
State degrees were awarded to juniors Dani Spohn and Shane Methvin. To obtain the degree, each of them was required to invest at least $2,000 and 300 hours in a private enterprise and to be an FFA member for at least two years.
Reception
The community is invited to attend a reception for Granzow from 1 to 4 p.m. May 29 at Centre High School, two miles north of Lincolnville. A special presentation will be made at 2:30 p.m.
Those who would like to submit well-wishes or special memories of Granzow may do so by mailing Emily French, 9898 Shell Ridge Drive, Frisco TX 75034 or e-mailing her at emilyfrench8@hotmail.com. Messages must be received by May 25.