Future Farmers of America—commonly known as FFA—is a nationwide organization that aims to provide students with leadership skills by learning about agriculture. In this year-round organization, students can volunteer throughout their community and participate in competitions of various levels. As some students may have seen, at HSE, FFA members host the Donkey Basketball event held in the varsity gym and plan out the infamous petting zoo, where students are able to learn about and see various animals. Not only does FFA welcome students who plan on entering a career in the field of agriculture, but also encourages students who aspire to be teachers, doctors, scientists, and more to join because they will benefit from the experiences and opportunities this club has to offer.
“The thing I enjoy most about FFA is the community aspect of our chapter,” junior Co-President Lauren Raiford said. “I have made some of my best friends through this organization, in our chapter but also through conferences and events I have attended.”
Every year, FFA chapters across the country celebrate National FFA Week, a week dedicated to share the impacts of FFA events on communities and encourage others to join. This year, FFA week started on Sunday, February 16th, and will conclude on Friday the 21st of February. Every day, there are various activities for FFA participants to do, each one serving its own individual purpose.
How each chapter in various locations chooses to celebrate is unique to their own association. At HSE, FFA chooses to blend bonding activities with acts of service throughout the community. Some activities they host include a movie night, the Agriculture Olympics with FHS students, and even a barn dance.
While these celebrations are exciting, the lasting effects of the lessons learned and character development are what prepare the members for not only success in their next chosen career path, but also for life.
“I enjoy [seeing] the personal growth that comes with being involved,” Raiford said. “I have seen growth in a variety of skills, in myself but also in all my members. Public speaking, leadership, confidence, collaboration, and so many more characteristics that are helpful in the classroom as a student but also in everyday experiences.”
