The Indiana FFA Association is celebrating National FFA Week.
Starting Feb. 19 and running through Feb. 26, National FFA Week remembers more than 94 years of FFA tradition and history while also highlighting and celebrating the success stories of the 735,000 members of the national organization.
Starting in 1948, the National FFA board of directors designated a weeklong celebration to recognize George Washington’s example and legacy as a leader and farmer. For the past 74 years, FFA members across the country have taken part in agricultural, leadership and service-based activities during National FFA Week.
“National FFA Week is a time for local chapters to highlight their programs, showcasing their success and passion for agriculture,” said Tamara Ketchen, director of the Indiana FFA Association. “We also use this as an opportunity to recognize community supporters and broadcast the mission of the organization.”
During the week, chapters host a variety of events to educate, advocate and celebrate the agricultural industry. From a school petting zoo to a farmer’s breakfast, these activities pay homage to the dedication and commitment of today’s agriculturalists.
During National FFA Week, the Indiana FFA state officers traverse the state to participate in activities with local FFA chapters and their communities. This year, that will include two from Jackson County: 2021 Seymour High School graduate Kourtney Otte, who is president, and 2021 Brownstown Central High School graduate Abby Stuckwisch, who is southern region vice president.
FFA provides the next generation of leaders who will change the world. FFA members are our future leaders, our future food suppliers, our future innovators and more. Whether it is through service projects or community gatherings, National FFA Week is a time for FFA members to raise awareness about agricultural education and the role the National FFA Organization plays in the development of agriculture’s future leaders.
Indiana FFA is the largest youth leadership development career and technical student organization in Indiana with almost 12,000 members as part of 218 local FFA chapters across the state. In Jackson County, there are chapters at Brownstown Central High School, Crothersville Junior-Senior High School, Medora Junior-Senior High School, Seymour High School, Seymour Middle School and Trinity Lutheran High School.
FFA strives to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success.
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture provides leadership and direction for Indiana FFA as a service to local agricultural education programs.
For information, visit inffa.org or follow the conversation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin.