Yes, that was the 2003 Austin FFA Awards banquet in the high school cafeteria Thursday night.

No, it wouldn't have fit in a telephone booth. It wasn't that small.

"We have a small group, but they're a good group of students," said Tim Westrum, agriculture education instructor and FFA chapter advisor.

The chapter has only 13 members this year, the 75th anniversary of FFA. Four attended Thursday night's annual recognition event. Parents and other family members were there and so were four members of the Austin FFA Alumni Association.

Everyone tried to put on a good face about the low turnout.

"There's plenty of cake and ice cream left if anybody wants more," chapter president, Justin Morris, announced.

Reasons for the low turnout were few: A busy night on the Austin High School spring sports schedule, conflicts with jobs, et cetera.

There weren't even enough members to conduct the traditional parliamentary procedure drill at the start of the meeting.

When Austin FFA Alumni Association members attended awards banquets, they filled the room. When the chapter president thanked the Alumni group for its support, he said, "We all wish for the return to the glory days of FFA someday."

The chapter's youthful president, Morris, a sophomore, put on his game face and extolled the 2002-2003 school year of activities. Alan Blake, treasurer, did the same.

The annual Mower County Fair Children's Farmyard, general livestock judging competition, fruit sales, bowling tournament, National FFA Convention in Louisville, Ky., the state FFA convention, National FFA Week and Ag Day, plus other activities and accomplishments, were reviewed by Morris and Blake.

Morris admitted he was nervous about the responsibilities of becoming the FFA chapter's president, when he was only 15.

"I didn't even have a driver's license," he said.

The youth acquitted himself well, said Westrum.

Westrum also helped Morris.

"He's a terrific leader," Morris said of the instructor and advisor.

Westrum has been assured by Austin Public Schools administration his position is funded for another school year.

Morris said the chapter must recruit more members and help current members improve their leadership skills.

Nikki Smith, a freshman, received the chapter's Star Greenhand Award. She was not present to accept the honor.

Leanne Morris accepted an award on behalf of Northern Country Co-op for their support of agriculture education.

Blake, a junior, received the chapter's Star Chapter Farmer award.

Only one of this year's 13 FFA members is a senior and Westrum is undaunted by the few numbers.

"I'm back next year," he said, "and I want to help the chapter to grow. We have a small group, but there a good group of students. This summer we're going to work on urging other youths to join FFA next year."

John Register and Ron Hayes reminded the students and their families the Austin FFA Alumni Association needs help July 3 and 4 at fund-raisers and also has leadership camp scholarship assistance available.

Westrum thanked the FFA Alumni for their continued support and

reminded all that the chapter will meet in the evening during the summer, beginning 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Lee Bonorden can be contacted at 434-2232 or by e-mail at :mailto:lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com