The 9,600 FFA members from across the state are celebrating National FFA Week this week, Feb. 20- 27. “Lead Out Loud” is the theme this year as members demonstrate what makes them leaders in their schools and communities. More than half a million members around the nation are participating in the week’s activities at the local and state levels.

Carroll

The Carroll chapter has 112 members. Advisors are Steve and Melissa Keown.

In celebration of George Washington’s birthday on Monday, the chapter served cherry pie to the staff of the junior-senior high school and the elementary school. FFA Week is celebrated the week of Washington’s birthday to recognize his pioneering contributions to agriculture.

On Tuesday, the chapter hosted Young McDonald’s Barn. Elementary students were invited to the high school to see and learn about farm animals.

Today was Official Dress Day, Thursday the FFA will serve breakfast to the faculty, and Friday will be Tractor Drive-In Day.

Delphi

The Delphi chapter has 66 members. Advisors are Doug Walker and Beth Theobald.

On Monday, the chapter had a pork chop cookout for FFA members and school staff.

Tuesday was FFA Pride Day, and members wore FFA apparel to school.

Today is Ag Business Day, and members are backing their favorite agriculture businesses by wearing their colors.

Thursday, the FFA is planning a middle school and high school scavenger hunt, and in the evening will be the FFA appreciation dinner and work auction.

Friday will be the Truck and Tractor Drive-in & Carhartt Day.

Festivities will conclude with an FFA ski trip to Paoli.

Rossville

The Rossville chapter has 92 members. Advisors are Dale Griffin and Leon Greives.

Tuesday was Drive Your Tractor to School Day.

Thursday will be the FFA Farmer/Teacher Appreciation Breakfast, beginning at 6:30 a.m.

The concluding activity will be the FFA Member Donut Day from 7:30 to 8 a.m. in the Ag Barn.

FFA focus

The focus of National FFA Week is to tell the community and the country about the great opportunities available through FFA. From its beginnings in 1928 as the Future Farmers of America, the National FFA Organization today reaches out to all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. FFA is committed to developing character and leadership skills, as well as preparing members for a lifetime of civic leadership and career success.

There are 197 chapters in Indiana. Members have opportunities to attend national leadership conferences, start their own businesses, and apply for awards and scholarships. Through classroom instruction and hands-on learning, agricultural education and FFA are making a positive difference in the lives of students.

One of every five Americans is employed in the food, fiber and natural resources industries, and FFA members are preparing for one of those 300 careers in agriculture.

For more information about National FFA Week, visit www.ffa.org/ffaweek or contact the Indiana FFA.