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FFA celebrates National FFA Week

Story by Robyn Scherer, M.Agr. Kiowa, Colo.
Colorado state officer team: Standing - Kendall Wilkins, State Sentinel from Yuma; Lance Gilbert, State Executive Committee from New Raymer; Jayce Tappy, State Vice President from Merino. Seated - Brandy Jo Marrinan, State Executive Committee from Alamosa; Chance Kanode, State Executive Committee from Highland; Carly Hinton, State Reporter from Sangre de Cristo; Kristen Schmidt, State President from Greeley; Brooke Miller, State Executive Committee from Eaton; Mitch Stahley, State Treasurer from Platte Valley; Bekka McCaleb, State Secretary from Arickaree.

Across the nation this week, FFA members will be holding events and engaging their communities in their chapters as part of the celebration of National FFA Week.

FFA Week gives members a chance to educate the public about agriculture. During the week, chapters host teacher appreciation breakfasts, conduct “Ag Olympics” competitions, speak to the public about agriculture, volunteer for community service projects and more.

The week of George Washington’s birthday was designated as National FFA Week in 1947 at a National FFA Board of Directors meeting. FFA Week always runs from Saturday to Saturday, and encompasses February 22, Washington’s birthday.



National FFA Week will be held from February 16‐23, 2013. This year’s theme is Grow, and it celebrates more than 80 years of FFA traditions while eagerly anticipating the organization’s future. More than 550,000 members nationwide will participate in National FFA Week activities at local, state and national levels. These members come from rural, suburban and urban environments and are interested in the diversity of careers within agriculture.

“Founded in 1928, the Future Farmers of America brought together students, teachers and agribusiness to solidify support for agricultural education. In Kansas City’s Baltimore Hotel, 33 young farmboys charted a course for the future. They could not have foreseen how the organization would grow and thrive,” the National FFA website states.



It continues, “Since 1928, millions of agriculture students — no one knows exactly how many — have donned the official FFA jacket and championed the FFA creed. FFA has opened its doors and its arms to minorities and women, ensuring that all students could reap the benefits of agricultural education.”

National FFA week gives FFA members the opportunity to showcase their chapters in their local communities. One chapter who will be doing this the Highland FFA Chapter in Ault, Colo.

According to chapter reporter Bree Maag, on Monday February 18th, the Highland FFA will have a chapter activity. This year’s Chapter activity will be bowling with all the members from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday February 19 will be teacher/staff appreciation breakfast starting at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday February 20, will be the FFA parade at 7:30 a.m. down Main Street in Ault.

“After the parade we will be having a petting zoo from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come and join the FFA parade and petting zoo. On Thursday, February 21, we are celebrating all the green hands. We will be having a lunch for all the members that received their Green Hand Award this year in the Ag Cottage. Friday February 22, is blue and gold day. The Highland FFA members will be wearing their official dress, and we would enjoy anyone else who would wear blue and gold to show their support in the FFA,” she said.

The state organization is led by the state officer team. The members of this team include Kendall Wilkins, State Sentinel from Yuma; Lance Gilbert, State Executive Committee from New Raymer; Jayce Tappy, State Vice President from Merino; Brandy Jo Marrinan, State Executive Committee from Alamosa; Chance Kanode, State Executive Committee from Highland; Carly Hinton, State Reporter from Sangre de Cristo; Kristen Schmidt, State President from Greeley; Brooke Miller, State Executive Committee from Eaton; Mitch Stahley, State Treasurer from Platte Valley; Bekka McCaleb and State Secretary from Arickaree.

“Today, the National FFA Organization remains committed to the individual student, providing a path to achievement in premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Now, the organization is expanding the nation’s view of “traditional” agriculture and finding new ways to infuse agriculture into the classroom,” the national website states.

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success. ❖


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