Le Grand FFA celebrates FFA Week in February

FFA chapters across the country celebrated National FFA Week in February. FFA Week is celebrated annually coinciding with George Washington’s birthday to celebrate the largest youth organization in the United States.

At Le Grand High School, there are more than 325 FFA members who are enrolled in the Agriculture Program. From Ag Fabrication to Floral Design, students have the opportunity to learn about different areas of the agriculture industry.

Chapter Historian Cheyenne Castro is a sophomore at Le Grand High School. “Most of the students in our FFA chapter don’t come from production agriculture and that’s OK, you don’t have to be a farmer to be in ag classes,” Castro said.

The agriculture instructors at Le Grand High School also emphasize this point. “Students in the FFA have the opportunity to not only learn about agriculture, but develop college and career readiness skills that can help prepare them for their future,” said Amanda Galan, Le Grand High School ag instructor and FFA adviser.

Last month, the Le Grand FFA Chapter hosted entertaining lunchtime activities, school-wide dress up days, and even a fundraiser to celebrate the National FFA Organization. Dress up themes ranged from ag careers to sporting the National FFA colors of National Blue and Corn Gold. Lunchtime activities included a dairy products eating contest called the “Dairy Bowl,” agriculture obstacle course, ladder bowl and promotion of the Smooch the Sheep fundraiser.

On Feb. 24, the Le Grand FFA hosted its monthly chapter meeting featuring an all-you-can-eat ice cream sundae bar and trivia game. The meeting was a huge success, with more than100 FFA members in attendance.

“I love and look forward to FFA Week every year,” said senior and Chapter Secretary Elizabeth Yanez. “It not only is fun, but it helps us to draw attention to how important agriculture is within our community and country.”

The Le Grand FFA chapter wrapped up its FFA Week celebrations Friday with the new Smooch the Sheep fundraiser.

Cristal Garcia, sophomore at Le Grand explained the event: “Students get to vote for one of five teachers to kiss a sheep at lunchtime in front of the whole school. They cast their vote by putting money in a teacher’s jar.”

This story was originally published March 3, 2015 at 5:44 PM with the headline "Le Grand FFA celebrates FFA Week in February."