Rochester High School FFA officers include in front Vice President Emily Vigar. In the second row are Secretary Emma Bays, left, and Reporter Brooke Nelson. In the third row are Sentinel Wesley Lawson, left, and President Keegen Reinhold. In the back is Treasurer Tyler Reese. Photo provided by Emma Bays.

By Lori Carr
InkFreeNews

ROCHESTER — FFA members throughout the state, and across the country, celebrate FFA Week each year.

FFA is a youth organization that makes a positive difference in the lives of students.

Rochester High School FFA officers this year are: President Keegen Reinhold; Vice President Emily Vigar; Secretary Emma Bays; Reporter Brooke Nelson; Treasurer Tyler Reese; and Sentinel Wesley Lawson.

This year, FFA Week at RHS will be Feb. 17-24. There are several activities planned throughout the week.

The annual ski trip was to be held on Monday. This year, members were to travel to Bittersweet Ski Resort in Ostego, Mich., where they could partake in skiiing and snowboarding.

Tuesday was to include the battle of the trucks, in which students were to take pictures of their trucks and turn them in. The pictures fall into a certain category such as: dirtiest, cleanest, nicest, oldest and newest. The student body was to vote for the best one for each category. The students who won those categories were to receive back double their entry fee.

On Wednesday, FFA members participated in the annual tractor drive-in.

“We have a parade and pull in front of the school so students are able to see all of the tractors,” stated Vigar. “The whole chapter plays a main key role in making FFA Week work.”

Chapter members are allowed to bring in their dogs, and throughout the week, animals will be in the ag shop. There will be cattle, goats, horses and pigs this year for the students to interact with.

The annual FFA auction will be held March 23.

“We allow consignment to be taken for the annual auction Wednesday to Friday,” said Bays. “The auction is then held on Saturday.”

There are roughly 50 to 60 FFA members this year. According to Reese, “It is roughly the same number as last year.”

“We lost a few seniors but gained quite a few freshmen,” he added.

Each of the six officers plays a key role in decision making and planning for the different activities held throughout FFA Week.

“It is exciting seeing the FFA members collaborate together to see what we can do as a chapter,” stated Vigar.

“The officers meet every Tuesday to develop new ideas and then we meet as a chapter once a month to discuss the ideas and make decisions,” stated Bays.

FFA teaches students valuable skills, such as leadership and time management skills.

“It teaches us how to make decisions on the fly,” said Reinhold. “You’re trying to do an activity with 60 kids, something that doesn’t work, and they are sitting there looking at you. It teaches you to think pretty quickly, and it’s a good employable skill.”

Other activities members are involved in throughout the year include: soil judging, forestry, meats evaluation, parliamentary procedure, horticulture and leadership, according to Reese.

For the annual FFA auction, the chapter will begin taking items March 20-22.

“We have multiple students and parents help, which allows the auction to run very smoothly. It is a good turnout every year,” said Bays.