The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The National FFA Organization will celebrate National FFA Week, Feb. 19-26, 2005. "Learn. Lead. Succeed." is the theme this year. Members around the nation will participate in FFA Week activities at the local and state level.
Chapters from this area will hold petting zoos, dress-up days, contests, and much more to promote agriculture awareness and the FFA.
The purpose of National FFA Week is to create awareness of the organization, which was created in 1928 as the Future Farmers of America. This name was changed to the National FFA Organization in 1988 to recognize the growing diversity of the agricultural industry. There are chapters in all 50 states,
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. FFA is committed to developing character and leadership skills and preparing members for a lifetime of civic leadership and personal success.
With a past rooted in the values of American agriculture and an eye on the future of an ever-changing world, FFA has become one of the largest and most diverse student groups today. FFA has a membership of nearly half a million students nationwide.
A continued focus on premier leadership, personal growth and career success has made FFA one of the symbols of what is positive in America's youth.
By expanding the traditional view of agriculture to include science, business and technology, FFA has become a national icon in promoting the diversity of the agricultural industry.
With more than 300 career opportunities available to students through agricultural education, FFA members have been labeled the leaders of tomorrow.
For more information about agriculture education and the FFA visit the Illinois FFA website at www.illinoisffa.org or the National FFA website at www.ffa.org.
In the spirit of National FFA Week, some students at Southern drove the family tractor to school in Stronghurst for Tuesday's "Bring Your Tractor to School Day."
All week long, students have been dressing up and showing their spirit for agriculture and the FFA program- where young people are shown how to "Learn, Lead and Succeed."
Southern students also enjoyed a pudding eating contest and a Pepsi chug contest on Tuesday.
Students planned a fun and spirited week at both Southern high school and Union high school.