Searcy (LP) As next week approaches, the Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter at Searcy High School has started preparing for National FFA week.  This week is celebrated once a year by FFA chapters across the nation.  This year, the dates are February 20-24.  The whole week focuses on celebrating the club and what it stands for while also bringing awareness to FFA and Agricultural Education.  Throughout the week, the club will have four large events and other smaller events set up for the members to gain more knowledge about agriculture and grow as a club.  The week is a great way for the club to promote FFA and to show members and people who are not a part of the club to see how diverse the club is and that there is more to agriculture than most people think.  Mr. Safely, the FFA club sponsor, refers to the week as, “An enjoyable time for the members to come together and learn while having fun and there is always a lesson to be learned from the activities.”

A main tradition for the Searcy chapter is hosting the Redneck Olympics.  This event is not always held during FFA week, but this year the officers decided to put it on during this week.  Different games are set up for the night to give the club the opportunity to interact and compete in friendly competition.  Another activity the club will put on is pie throwing for charity.  The club has set up the event where you can bring five canned food items that will go towards the local Searcy food pantry.  Students will also be able to participate in the pie throwing contest for $2 and that money will be donated to the Searcy High School food pantry.  The Career Development Event (CDE) is another large event that the Searcy FFA chapter competes in against other surrounding chapters.  This is held at the ASU Beebe campus and the members are able to show off their skills in different areas of agriculture and prepares them for district and state competitions.  Mr. Safely’s favorite event during the week is the shop wars.  The students are split up in teams and are given a mechanism that they have to work together and create in a set time period.  Mr. Safely says, “It is very rewarding to see that moment when they solve the task on their own by using their knowledge without the help of a teacher or instructions.”

The club officers prepare for the events and organize everything that goes on throughout the week.  They set up meetings with Mr. Safely and discuss timing, food, resources, and other tasks that get them ready for the week ahead.  Chapter President Jessica Wesson believes this week is, “A great way to show the members how many different aspects of agriculture there are and that all areas are covered and enjoyed by everyone.”  The week is a great way for the club to promote FFA and to show members and people who are not a part of the club to see how diverse the club is and that there is more to agriculture than most people think.