As FFA week approaches, the team of eight officers and members prepare to celebrate the impact of agriculture in the school and community. Taking charge of preparation is the officer team, which is led by FFA’s President Addison Dominick and Vice President Blake Mertens, who work with their adviser Melissa Miller to coordinate a week full of dress up days, activities and an assembly. According to officers, planning begins generously in advance.
“We decide as a group, Mrs. Miller approves it, and then it goes to the members,” sophomore Kelsey Luttropp said.
The most exciting activities this year are the dress-up days and relay races during the assembly. The annual ‘Ag Olympics’ will feature students’ favorites like the milk chug, egg toss, and relay races. Though a few changes have been made to keep the student body engaged.
“At our assembly and the Ag Olympics, students won’t sign up anymore; we’ll choose participants from the crowd. This new approach encourages those who don’t usually join in to get involved. Just one experience can make a big impact, especially when it starts early in high school,” Mertens said.
The goal of FFA week is beyond just games and competition. According to Miller, this week was created to introduce agriculture to all students.
“The goal for us behind FFA Week is just to share and promote FFA here at school — to expose kids that maybe don’t know what FFA is,” Miller said. “Agriculture is so strong in our school and community.”
While many believe FFA is strictly farming, members state the organization offers far more. This year there are currently 30-40 active members, but technically 120 members through agricultural classes. Students gain communication skills, leadership positions, and a world full of opportunities to compete in events and attend conferences.
“FFA is really about leadership. What you put into it is what you get out of it,” Mertens said. “You learn how to communicate, speak and be a leader. Those are skills you need whether you’re applying for college or a job.”
Another huge highlight of the week is their annual teacher breakfast. Members arrive at school early to prepare and serve breakfast to teachers. This is an event Mertens says he looks forward to most.
“I love teacher breakfast. We get here at six in the morning and start cooking breakfast. It’s really fun just to be around your FFA members, and cooking breakfast is a treat,” Mertens said.
Officers have been meeting frequently to discuss details, improve plans, and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Ultimately, the main purpose of FFA week is to inspire new members to join, and celebrate the current ones.
“Don’t be afraid to join,” Miller said. “FFA is not just for farm kids or agriculture kids. It’s for anyone.”
