Fostering FFA

Seventh- and eighth-grade students use leadership and teamwork skills Thursday to untangle themselves in "the knot game," a Eugene FFA Recruitment Day activity during National FFA Week. FFA Officer Alexa Belshe watches her group of students participate in the activity.
Seventh- and eighth-grade students use leadership and teamwork skills Thursday to untangle themselves in "the knot game," a Eugene FFA Recruitment Day activity during National FFA Week. FFA Officer Alexa Belshe watches her group of students participate in the activity.

EUGENE, Mo. - They stood in a circle - hands linked, arms intertwined, faces covered in smiles.

After hearing "go," the Eugene seventh- and eighth-grade students began figuring out how to untangle themselves so they stood side by side in the circle simply holding hands. At first, the students pulled in different directions trying to unravel the "knot" they initially created with their limbs. Then, student leaders arose, directing their peers to step through a hole or uncross their arms.

Nearly each group succeeded at "the knot game," which was part of the annual Eugene Future Farmers of America (FFA) Recruitment Day on Thursday afternoon at the Cole County R-5 High School. They showed premier leadership, one of the three areas of agriculture education discussed and practiced during this educational event taking place during the school's National FFA Week celebration.

"This activity, led by FFA officers and junior officers, allows FFA members to talk with the students about the importance of FFA, farmers and the three areas of agriculture education: premier leadership, personal growth and career success," said Bethany Prenger, Eugene FFA co-adviser and teacher.

With premier leadership covered in "the knot game," interactive lessons were used in talking about the two other areas of agriculture education. Officers asked students to judge wooden animals and discussed their decisions as part of career success. The students also were given two chances to see how high they could mark on a piece of paper hung high on the wall for the personal growth segment.

"(Recruitment Day) is a great way to get to know the students and share the knowledge of what FFA is really all about," said Nathan Forck, senior and Eugene FFA chapter president. "One of my favorite moments in leading this activity is discussing personal growth. It really shows how FFA can allow you to do things that you may not think you are able to do. You set goals for yourself and allow yourself to become better at so many things you will need in your life. FFA did a lot for me. I want to study animal science, and I came to that determination while being in FFA. It opened up my eyes to all kinds of careers I could pursue."

Prenger said she has also seen many middle school students take her eighth-grade level exploratory agriculture class, which covers a wide range of agriculture education topics, and become Eugene FFA chapter members when entering high school.

The Eugene FFA showcased not only what the chapter does for fellow students but also for the community. Their recognition of National FFA Week started Tuesday with a Supporters' Breakfast.

"That is a great way to thank all of those in the community that attend our fundraisers, competitions and events," said Alexa Belshe, senior and Eugene FFA chapter officer.

Following National FFA Week, the chapter begins its busy season of competitions, conferences and fundraisers. Prenger said a practice test is held in March, with area and district contests to follow this spring.

The Eugene FFA will host one of its largest fundraisers, the annual BBQ and Labor Auction, from 3-7:30 p.m. March 16 in the high school cafeteria. The community can enjoy a pork steak or hot dog dinner, complete with sides, dessert and drink. At 7 p.m., the labor auction begins. Guests can bid on sophomore and junior FFA members to do household chores or work on farms, businesses or organizations. Bids begin at $7 for four hours.

"It allows the kids to learn a variety of work that often turns into great job opportunities for them, as well as build their resumes," Prenger said.

Tickets are $10 for the pork steak dinners and $5 for the hot dog dinners, with tickets available from any Eugene FFA member or at the door.