By Cole Wimberly
FFA week is being celebrated by school districts this week all around Illinois and nationally. Local High School district’s FFA programs have had a lot of fun events, and have announced the candidates for their American and State degree’s.
Salem FFA’s program is led by advisor Savannah Kuhns. She has 85 students in the program. Salem FFA held a chicken dinner at Elks Lodge, had fun dress-up days for the student body each day of the week, and a teacher appreciation breakfast. The drive your tractor to school day will be rescheduled due to the weather. The State degree candidates are AJ Wilkins and Sydney Sherwin.
Salem FFA president Ella Douglas says, “My freshman year I really wanted a group that was bigger than myself I wanted to focus on leadership and service in my community.”
Salem FFA Vice President AJ Wilkins explains, “leading and showing people how they can develop skills and thrive in the real world when they graduate high school. Teaching them skills that are necessary to be a productive member of society when they get older.”
The Centralia FFA has 40 members this year with Levi Huge up to receive his State FFA Degree. The Centralia Chapter has held dress up days all week and a cattle round up with small cows placed around the school. Two events have been postponed until better weather, the drive your tractor to school day and a petting zoo at Jordan Grade School.
Odin FFA’s program is led by first year advisor Rebecca Klein. There are 52 students in the program. Odin FFA hosted a Volleyball and Tennis tournament, a Teacher appreciation breakfast, and a movie night. The American Degree candidate is Tyler Bivens.
Sandoval FFA’s program advisor is Allyssa Barnes. They have 70 students in the program. Sandoval FFA painted their hands green and put them on the ceiling tiles, a teacher appreciation lunch, and a drive your tractor to school day. There are no American or State Degree candidates
South Central’s FFA’s program is led by advisor TJ Bolin. There are 60 students in the program. South Central FFA drove their tractors to neighboring elementary schools, held an Agriculture Olympics, dress up days for each day of the week, and held a community breakfast. The State Degree candidates are Kage Hiestand, Maddox Robb, Keira Langley, Wyatt Iler, Colton Smith, Evan Hoover, and Briar Brown. The American Degree candidates are Morgan Robb and Hailey Schuler.
Patoka’s FFA program is led by advisor Bailey Hawkins. They have 25 students in the program. Patoka FFA held a blue-collar day and teacher appreciation breakfast. The drive your tractor to school day was postponed. There were no State or American Degree candidates.
