San Luis Obispo FFA Chapter Treasurer Mila Shih (left), Vice President Stevie Bates (middle) and Reporter Holly Speake (right) in front of their local radio station.
Each year, FFA chapters around the country celebrate National FFA Week. For years, the San Luis Obispo FFA Chapter in California has used FFA Week to engage its members, school and community in FFA.
The chapter’s goal is for students throughout its campus and community to ask, “What’s that?” and take an interest in FFA and agricultural education. It promotes FFA Week through class announcements, social media posts and the school’s Tiger News Network. Throughout the week, the chapter’s FFA Week committee and officers plan and execute various events to celebrate FFA and involve members and students.
A Week of Traditions and Engagement
The week begins on Tuesday when the chapter hosts a teacher breakfast. Students can donate breakfast items, such as donuts, pancake mix, coffee creamer, etc., for an FFA credit.
The officer team and FFA Week committee organized the breakfast to build relationships with faculty and staff and give them a small token of appreciation. Previous years’ breakfasts included commodity boxes; this year, teachers will receive thank-you cards and an informational sheet about FFA and agricultural education.
San Luis Obispo FFA members behind their teacher appreciation breakfast spread.
Wednesday begins with a visit to KJUG, a local country radio station. During this visit, a few officers spoke on air about FFA Week, its importance, and how their chapter celebrates it.
One of the most iconic events of the week, FFA on the Hill, takes place at 6:30 a.m. the same day. Members hike up the hill behind their school and spell “FFA” using large sheets. Advisors guide them from the ground, a challenging task accomplished with collaboration. The display on the hill remains throughout the school day and can be seen by community members, further sparking curiosity about FFA.
On Thursday, students and teachers bring animals, such as dogs, rabbits, chickens, ducks, reptiles, dairy calves and miniature horses, to participate in their annual petting zoo. This event is popular because it allows nonmembers to engage with FFA in a fun and memorable way. Additionally, students wear national blue and corn gold to support FFA.
This year, Friday’s line dancing lessons are a new addition. A local line dance group teaches students five common line dances to show off at the upcoming sectional barn dance hosted by Mission College Prep, a growing FFA chapter located nearby.
More Than Just a Week
“My favorite part of National FFA Week is showing my friends who aren’t in FFA what we do,” the San Luis Obispo FFA Chapter Reporter Holly Speake said. “I love bringing my friends to the petting zoo at lunch or telling them about our members who worked hard to spell out ‘FFA’ on the hill above our campus. Connecting with our entire school is so important to make others aware of our amazing program.”
One of the most memorable parts of the San Luis Obispo FFA Chapter’s FFA Week is seeing its chapter, school and community together. Daily events encourage more participation and grow the size of the FFA community.
As the week comes to a close, it’s not just the events that leave an impact — it’s the friendships made, laughter shared, and curiosity sparked in those who didn’t know about FFA.
