***This article was written by Jaxon Janey, a participant of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program, funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Trust.
Every year, FFA Week is celebrated around the nation in February. It’s a week dedicated to the FFA organization and designed to celebrate the organization’s growth nationally and in each chapter.
The local FFA chapter at Kewanee High School marked the occasion in various ways. Dress-up days were hosted throughout the week, the ag department honored “tireless teachers,” students visited local elementary schools and more.
The week kicked off with FFA students participating in interviews regarding their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs). An SAE is a project that develops and demonstrates a student’s skills as an agriculturalist, scholar and citizen.
This year, KHS had seven students named Section 3 winners for their SAE proficiency interviews, the most the school has seen since 2018. These winners will advance to the district competition in Geneseo on March 6.
FFA week is an important tradition at KHS. To sophomore FFA leadership team member Remy Hicks, this importance comes from agriculture’s impact on everyday life.
“FFA Week is a celebration of the dedication and hard work that young agriculture industry leaders have put in to shape the agricultural future. The week-long celebration unites communities, and FFA chapters together to recognize the impact that the ag industry has had on our lives,” Hicks said.
FFA members look forward to honoring agriculture and its role in society every year. In many ways, this week is the highlight of FFA’s annual events.
“My favorite part of FFA Week is when we can have so many events during the whole week. I also really enjoy being able to decorate the whole school. Students should consider joining FFA because being a part of FFA grows a person in ways that could not be possible from other extracurricular activities. A student can gain leadership skills that are valuable in the community,” junior FFA leadership team member Emmalee Kilstrom said.
Shelby Bailey, one of Kewanee’s agriculture educators, shared Kilstrom’s belief that FFA and KHS’s agriculture program welcomes and benefits all students regardless of their background or future plans.
“I believe all students should consider joining and getting involved in FFA as FFA has so much to offer for everyone. From leadership skills and career readiness to scholarships and lifelong friendships, FFA truly does have it all. And there is always a place for everyone in FFA,” Bailey said.
Though FFA Week is coming to an end, exciting events are still in store for the Kewanee FFA chapter.
Students will get involved with livestock judging and public speaking competitions. The chapter will also host its annual spring plant sale and invite area schools to its yearly petting zoo, which KHS agriculture educator Kindra Callahan said “are always a big hit.”
“We’re also looking forward to our spring banquet, where we’ll recognize member achievements and celebrate the year’s successes. Additionally, we have several community service projects and hands-on learning experiences planned that will help members gain real-world skills. It’s a great time to be part of Kewanee FFA,” Callahan said.
