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This year’s recipients of the Gordon Richards, Sr. Achievement Award sponsored by the Clinic Pharmacy shown at the Pott County livestock show premium show. Area recipients are Madison Bickel, McLoud, third from left; Berklee Gossen, North Rock Creek, fifth from left; and Morley Griffith, Dale, second from the right. Also shown are Gordon Richards, Jr., left, who helps sponsor the award and Jamie Barrick, right, of The Clinic Pharmacy. In the rear are Randy and Suzanne Gilbert. Photo/Amy Hasbell
Eight young women and men are this year’s recipients of the Gordon Richards, Sr. Achievement Award sponsored by the Clinic Pharmacy. Tim and Jamie Barrick are owners of the pharmacy.
This is the 78th year for the award that was originated in 1946 by the late Gordon Richards, Sr., and the late Otto Krause.
Gordon Richards, Jr., son of one of the founders of the award, briefly detailed how the award started.
This year, only for the first time, the awards were handed out on the final evening of the Pottawatomie County Junior Livestock Show. The eight were honored before more than 600 persons who also gathered for the presentation of the Livestock Show awards and the Premium Auction.
This year’s honorees from this area include: Morley Griffith, Dale FFA
Morley Griffith is a senior at Dale High School where she is the Dale FFA President. Morley is the daughter of Matt and Twana Griffith. She has been involved in the FFA program since the eighth grade where she has pursued proficiencies in Beef Production and Public Speaking.
She will be awarded her State Degree in May for work in her Beef Production SAE. Aside from this, Morley has been successful within the show ring and has won multiple National Championships throughout her time in the Junior Livestock Program.
Morley is grateful for her time in the show ring as well as the FFA program for providing her the opportunity to travel the country networking with like-minded youth. She has a passion for the FFA program and credits her drive and passion for her goals to the FFA program. After high school, Morley plans to attend Oklahoma State University and double major in Agriculture Leadership and Strategic Communications. She feels confident that the skills she has acquired throughout her time in the FFA will carry her far.
Madison Bickel, McLoud FFA
Madison Bickel is the 17-year-old daughter of Mike and Lisa Bickel.
Madison has attended McLoud Public Schools her entire life and is currently a senior. She is currently the sentinel officer for the McLoud FFA chapter. Madison has had a love of showing animals since she was very young.
She is also a member of the National Honor Society, the art club and in BPA. Madison has received numerous awards in FFA and recently received her academic letterman jacket. She holds a 3.9 GPA and is ranked fourth in her class. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends. During the summer one will most likely catch her camping with family and friends.
Berklee Gossen, North Rock Creek FFA
Berklee Gossen is the 2023 Richards Drug Award recipient from North Rock Creek FFA. Berklee is a junior at North Rock Creek and currently is serving as chapter Vice-President. Her SAE has included exhibiting goats, sheep and cattle, along with developing a small cow herd.
Some of her most notable successes include: OK State Fair Grand Wether Dam Doe 2021, OK Central Area Livestock Show Grand Doe 2023, Pottawatomie County Jr. Livestock Show Champion Sr. Goat Showman 2022, Pottawatomie County Free Fair Ann Gilbert Memorial Award Recipient. Berklee has also been a member of the recent 2022 OKFFA State Champion Commercial Cattle Grading Team. She is involved in many areas and is an example of leadership, dedication, and success.
Not only is Berklee successful in FFA but she also maintains a high GPA, is a member of the National Honor Society, and is planning to attend college in the future, majoring in Agricultural Business and Economics.