No one celebrates National FFA Week quite like members from Washington state! With more than 15,000 members, 195 chapters and visiting 2024-25 National FFA Secretary Luke Jennings, there was no doubt Washington FFA members would make this year’s celebration one for the books.
Richland FFA
Richland FFA members prepare to deliver their first responder baskets in the community.
For the past few years, members from Richland FFA have created baskets to donate to the first responders in the community.
“Many of our first responders are working overnight shifts to keep us safe,” says Richland FFA President Lachlan Bradley, who has loved being a part of this yearly tradition.
Richland FFA members pose with officers from the West-Richland Police Department.
“Our whole chapter gathered together in matching FFA T-shirts, and we personally delivered the baskets to firefighters or police officers,” Bradley says. “Since Richland is in more of a big town than a small town with local farms, we found it difficult to assist our community since we are an agricultural organization. Putting together these baskets enabled us to do outreach in our community.”
Richland FFA members deliver a first responder basket to firefighters at the Richland Fire Department.
Sunnyside FFA
Sunnyside FFA members pose in front of their tractors during Drive Your Tractor to School Day.
Just 40 miles away from Richland lies Sunnyside FFA. This chapter kicked off the week with a Drive Your Tractor to School Day.
“Sunnyside Christian joined in on the event,” says Sunnyside FFA President Claire Sheehan. “Luke Jennings, the National FFA secretary, was a keynote speaker at the event, and everyone enjoyed some morning coffee, donuts and chocolate milk.”
National FFA Secretary Luke Jennings gives an address to Sunnyside FFA members.
Sunnyside FFA continued National FFA Week with more fun events. From joining other nearby chapters in a competitive game of dodgeball to participating in an after-school barbecue and having a dance with District IV chapters, the chapter ended the week on a good note.
Goldendale FFA
Goldendale FFA members pose with newly created flower arrangements ready to be delivered to community members and supporters.
Situated in the rural community of Klickitat County, Wash., lies Goldendale High School, where agriculture plays a central role in the lives of many residents. Goldendale FFA recognized the importance of FFA Week by expressing gratitude to its local community.
“We hosted ‘Flowers for Friends’ and invited our chapter supporters to come in and make floral arrangements with our members,” says Randi Krieg. “The students assisted 12 adults with making their own arrangements while following a demonstration by one of our local florists.”
The event not only allowed FFA members to showcase their skills, but it also provided an opportunity to strengthen ties between students and community members. It was a meaningful way to express gratitude to those who support the chapter throughout the year.
“Additionally, other FFA members made flower arrangements as ‘thank you’ gifts for other supporters who weren’t present,” Krieg adds. “FFA officers delivered the arrangements around town. Luke Jennings and Christine White from National FFA also attended and helped at the event.”
Sumner FFA
Sumner FFA members explain the importance of agriculture to their school district superintendent, Dr. Laurie Dent.
For Sumner FFA, FFA Week was more than just a celebration. Over a weekend, the school district hosted its annual Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Fair for families from around the district to attend.
At their booths, FFA members taught youth how to properly plant a flower or vegetable of their choice that they could take home and plant. They could also try their shot at FFA/Agriculture Jeopardy, which included fun and engaging questions to help teach about the significance FFA has on agriculture.
For these Washington FFA members, FFA Week was definitely one for the history books. Want your chapter to go big celebrating next year? Visit FFA.org/National-FFA-Week to learn more about how you can celebrate.
