By Jackson Powers and Jaley Mosley Contributors
National Future Farmers of America (FFA) week was first celebrated in 1948 in Kansas City, Miss. That year, the number of FFA members nationwide increased by over 20,000. There were so many new members that at the next National FFA convention, a temporary hotel had to be set up in the basement of the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City. Since then, National FFA week has been celebrated across the nation in order to promote agricultural education and its importance to the future.
Lafayette FFA once again celebrated this tradition with contests and programs throughout the week. Lafayette FFA was thrilled to have so many come out and participate. Each day the officer team planned an event or contest for members to take part in. The enthusiasm shown by members and non-members alike show the impact the FFA can have, not just on those interested in the Ag field, but students from all walks of life.
For each day of the week, there was a themed dress up day. On Monday, Feb. 22, students were asked to wear their chapter shirts, with Ag classes competing in trivia to test their knowledge of agriculture and the organization. On Tuesday, Feb. 23, students showed their patriotism in dressing in red, white and blue. The activity for this day consisted of a teacher breakfast to show how grateful students were for their daily hard work and support of FFA members as they take advantage of various opportunities and compete in contests. On Wednesday, Feb. 24, the campus was covered in cowboy hats and boots for western day with a hamburger lunch for all members and teachers to take part in. Thursday, Feb. 25, was a throwback day, with members being asked to wear any past FFA t-shirt. A cornhole tournament was held during Ag classes that day with candy and bragging rights on the line. The final day of the week was "Blue vs. Gold." Middle school members were asked to dress in gold and high school members in blue to honor the national colors of the FFA. Chapter Secretary, Daniella Camarillo and Student Advisor, Anna Deadwyler, hosted a chapter program to educate students on the value of leadership and the impact of hard work and practice. Friday also had a secondary event in which members were tasked with covering their trucks in the most mud and dirt. While this was the first year the chapter had done this contest, participation was still remarkably high. The winner of this contest was Landen Garrard.
With that, National FFA Week ended. FFA members always look forward to this week and all of the fun that comes with it. To share the importance of agriculture education with students and having a good time while doing it will not be something the officers forget.