Last week was one of recognition for everyone in FFA. FFA (Future Farmers of America) develops competent and assertive agricultural leadership. Members learn advanced career skills in 47 national proficiency areas based on their hands-on work experiences ranging from agricultural communications and food science and technology to turf grass management and wildlife production and management.
Brady Duxbury (FFA Adviser and Ag teacher) said that there are currently 83 FFA members in grades 7-12. When asked what his favorite thing about FFA is, he pointed to the diversity that exisits within the large organization.
“Every single student can try different things and find different passions. FFA is so large and diverse that no single student could ever hope to do it all, but they are encouraged to find what they are passionate about and pursue that. FFA has something for everybody,” he said. “My favorite thing about teaching ag is and always will be the students. I know for a fact that I am making an impact on the next generation, and that is what I feel like I was born to do. Helping a younger person find what they are passionate about and developing that passion is what gets me here early and keeps me late.”
Last week, FFA officers Ridge Roduner, Luke Larson, Mercedes Jones, Peyton Walz, Max Klein, Alexis Roesler, and Ella Fagerhaug, all planned a fun week of activities for Wessington Springs High School. All week they planned dress up days: Tuesday included a burger feed at lunch in the shop — teachers and FFA members also got to wear hats. Wednesday was camo day, then on Thursday “Ag in the Classroom” was held at the elementary school. FFA members taught kids about ag and had a western dress up day. Lastly, Friday ended with Ag Olympics at the elementary where all students got to watch the FFA kids compete in an obstacle course.