(Photo by Kris Todd) In front of fellow officers Katie Miller and Tim Juza, Jake Hill, Spencer FFA Chapter's vice president, hugged and shook the hand of their outgoing advisor, Justin Spieker, during the chapter's annual banquet and awards ceremony, held Tuesday evening. [Order this photo]

Smiles, congratulatory handshakes and tears were all common practices displayed and witnessed during the Spencer FFA Chapter's annual banquet and awards ceremony, held Tuesday evening in the Spencer High School (SHS) student center.

As chapter members were publicly recognized with a variety of awards and honors, the gathering allowed them, as well as chapter supporters, the chance to relish in activities conducted over the past year.

Spencer FFA Advisor Justin Spieker, who also serves as a vocational agriculture educator at SHS, had parents and guests stand up.

(Photo by Kris Todd) Spencer FFA Chapter members, along with Advisor Justin Spieker, front right, proudly display the awards, certificates, plaques and trophies they received this school year in recognition of their achievements. [Order this photo]

"Without your support of the FFA chapter, kids couldn't have had the experiences that they've had to go on trips, to (participate in) contests, to have activities at the fair and to (help with) activities such as Ag Outlook in the community. We want to thank you so much for everything you have done," Spieker told them.

Tuesday's banquet and ceremony also marked a time in which fears associated with the chapter's continuance were publicly acknowledged and expressed. Spieker's half-time advisor position was eliminated during 2008-09 budget cuts made by Spencer school board members this spring. District officials are currently advertising for a half-time vocational agriculture teacher and FFA sponsor for next school year, as well as looking to share both with another district.

During his closing remarks Tuesday night, Spieker described the gathering as being a "bittersweet" one for him.

"Over three years ago we started this endeavor. I was just out of college and, believe it or not, I was scared out of my mind. But, I was also so excited at the same time. My goals were to make a difference, to make a lasting impression and to teach something I love -- agriculture. My goals to this date, I believe, have been met. However, there is so much more I wish I could have done," he said.

"FFA has definitely molded me into what I am today. In my journey thus far, I can't believe how much I have lived my life to the FFA motto: 'Learning to do; Doing to learn; Earning to live; Living to serve,'" Spieker continued. "I spent my college years devoted to learning how to teach. It gave me a chance to instruct and learn from every one of you guys. Taking this position helped me to earn my way to live, and now I truly believe that I am living to serve in the agricultural industry. And, learning to do is what I've always tried to challenge you, the members, to do."

"FFA is the past, the present and the future. Even though I will not be advising here next year, that only means that I am going to be able to serve in a different way for the future. ... I want you to know that each and every one of you with a blue jacket has touched my heart in some way. Even though this chapter is small, I have had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with some of the greatest young individuals that this organization has to offer," the Spencer FFA advisor told the 14 chapter members in attendance.

Spieker also told the students gathered that it was his wish that they all continue to remain active within the organization.

"I want you to challenge yourself and participate in more contests, continue to make the chapter involved in the community, and for all of you to apply for awards, state FFA degrees, chapter degrees and proficiency awards. You name it, the sky is the limit for FFA," Spieker said. "As you continue to make the chapter involved in the community, and for all of you who apply for awards, take in all that FFA has to offer. It can take you all over the country; it can provide you scholarships for college; it can do many great things."

He tearfully continued, "If I regret anything, it would be not being able to continue this journey with all of you. But, agriculture is something that is all around us. It is not going anywhere. Even though our chapter is going through a rough spot, it's something that you all as a chapter can get through and overcome."

The students' advisor then asked each to live the FFA motto: "Learn to do, do to learn, earn to live and live to serve."

With tear-filled eyes and reddened cheeks, the students responded by presenting Spieker with a handcrafted frame holding a picture of the Spencer FFA Chapter's 2007-08 officers.

"He said he would never forget any one of us. That's why we made (the picture frame): So he would be able to remember that we would never forget him either," said Jake Hill. "With all we've gone through, I don't think any of us would be where we are today without you, Mr. Spieker. Thank you very much."