By Isabella Portner

Sleepy Eye FFA Reporter

From Feb. 19-26, FFA members across the nation celebrated National FFA Week. FFA Week is an exciting week for all members and alumni nationwide, as it celebrates traditions in the FFA that have taken place in the past 88 years. Members at the local, state, and national levels participated in numerous activities during the week.

The Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter was very active during FFA Week. To start off the week, on Friday, Feb. 19, 46 FFA members got together and pulled an all-nighter at the FFA Lock-In. The evening started with a dance for all 7th-12th grade students and was followed by games and activities all night long. In addition to the local members the chapter had three state officers attend the dance and lock-in, Morgan Krause, Sam Johnson, and Mariah Daninger.

On Monday, Feb. 22, FFA members went to the Divine Providence Nursing Home to have some fun with the residents. FFA members make cards for some the residents who live at the nursing home here in Sleepy Eye so this was an extension to that Adopt-a-Senior Program. The students had a blast learning how to play volleyball with balloons and pool noodles, and with the scavenger hunt for birds.

On Tuesday, Feb. 23, the Junior High FFA had their turn for some fun. 28 of the 7th and 8th grade FFA members got to go to the Garage in Springfield for a couple rounds of bowling. The group enjoyed pizza and lots of door prizes as well.

Wednesday, Feb. 24, was dedicated as Staff and Community Appreciation Day. The Sleepy Eye FFA is grateful for the generosity and support of the community and staff of the schools in Sleepy Eye. An appreciation breakfast was held, which was prepared by the officer team, for the staff. Donuts were served to the staff at St. Mary’s on Tuesday as well.

On Thursday, Feb. 25, the Sleepy Eye FFA held its Animal Carnival. At the Animal Carnival, the FFA had brought in livestock of all kinds including: a horse, llamas, chicks, piglets, goats, beef cattle, a dairy calf, sheep, and rabbits. The Animal Carnival hosted pre-K through 6th grade students from Sleepy Eye Public and the 3rd grade students from St. Mary’s. The FFA members got the chance to teach the students all about agriculture and where their food comes from. It was super fun and a great learning experience for everyone.

On Friday, Feb. 26 there was a drive your tractor to school event in which Owen Braun, 8th grade FFA member drove his John Deere to school. A few other members drove their ATV’s.

Throughout FFA Week, there were dress up days, including Animal Day, Plaid Day, Going Hunting Day, Blue and Gold Day, and Case IH vs. John Deere Day that the school could participate in. A daily emblem hunt also took place. The FFA Elementary coloring contest winners were also announced as well for St. Mary’s and Sleepy Eye students. They received prizes for participating and placing 1st 4th in the contest.

FFA Week is a time to celebrate an organization that we love and that has taught us all so much. The over 160 FFA members of the Sleepy Eye Chapter are looking forward to the rest of the year as we have Career Development Events, State FFA Convention, Chapter and Region FFA Officer Elections, and end with the Chapter Banquet in May.