Eighty Delaware FFA students received their iconic blue jackets during this year’s state convention, thanks to the Delaware Farm Bureau’s Blue Jacket Bonanza initiative. The jackets were distributed on March 25, 2026, at the 96th Annual Delaware FFA State Convention.
The Delaware Farm Bureau has operated this jacket program for more than ten years, ensuring that financial barriers don’t prevent FFA members from obtaining their signature blue corduroy jackets. Each jacket features custom embroidery with the student’s name on the front and their chapter name plus state designation on the back.
Addison Evans from Milford, one of this year’s recipients, described the significance of receiving her jacket. “My blue jacket is not only a symbol of leadership and dedication, which were important in earning my blue jacket and how I participate within my chapter, but also a continued family legacy and a constant reminder of where I come from,” Evans said.
Evans explained that the jacket connects her to a network of agricultural leaders who share similar values and dedication to farming. She noted that having her own jacket strengthens her sense of belonging within this community.
Delaware Farm Bureau President Bill Powers spoke to attendees at the convention, highlighting the organization’s commitment to supporting students through this initiative. Powers stressed how crucial it is for members to have access to their own blue jackets for competitions and events. He also reflected on a personal milestone, noting that this convention marked five decades since his own election as a Delaware FFA state officer, crediting the leadership experience with shaping his professional development.
Students from 15 Delaware schools received jackets this year. Appoquinimink had five recipients: Jacob Dzuriak, Alysse Kennedy, Jordan Kerr, Audrey Serajose, and Gabby Yaiser. Caesar Rodney also had six students honored: Nicholas Bell, Savannah Ferger, Cydney Jones, Paisley Kessler, Kendall Tatman, and Rowan Watras.
Conrad had one recipient, Peyton Riley, while Indian River’s Maddelyn Marvel also received a jacket. Lake Forest contributed eight students: Taylor Boyer, Rylan Brode, Kelsie Demoss, Olivia Jones, Charli Schulz, Kenzie Smolecki, Anna Spence, and Rylann Thompson.
McKean had five recipients: Kaamil Alston, Sophia Charlton, Constance Jaskolka, Connor Jones, and Payton Pierce. Middletown contributed two students: Paige Green and Lana Manzo.
Milford had five jacket recipients: Amara Duff, Addison Evans, Aubrey Jones, Aidan Millman, and James Truitt. Odessa contributed eight students: Teagan Lomas, Catherine Lyon, Bailey Myers, Scarlett Redden, Ryan Taylor, Kinsley Trego, Liana Yetsko, and Aiden Zonvide.
Seaford had five recipients: Joshua Koski, Gavin LeCates, Levi Massey, James Reinke, and Camden Todd. Smyrna contributed nine students: Kaydence Bartsch, Georgeanna Ennis, Bradley Masten, Lily McNatt, Arizona Miller, Austin Rumfelt, Savannah Snow, Emery Thurmond, and Natalie Webber.
Sussex Academy had three recipients: Jenna Davis, Grayce Glover, and Claudia Warren. Sussex Central contributed eight students: Bethany Agyei-Yeboah, Aryianna Drummond, Dayanna Fernandez-Rodriquez, Jesus Garcia Morales, McKinley Messick, Rocio Ramirez-Diego, Alvin Revolorio-Perez, Lupita Velazquez, and Wesley Velasquez.
William Penn had six recipients: Shardae Burns, Isabel Cornejo, Oskar Konkiel, Levi Parker, Arianna Rodriguez, and Annabel Zamichieli. Woodbridge rounded out the list with seven students: Brooke Messick, Kelsey Messick, Emily Porches, Shelby Pusey, Logan Sears, Emma Short, and Hidalma Solis-Morales.
Additional details about the Blue Jacket Bonanza program and Delaware Farm Bureau activities can be found at www.defb.org.
