100 Years, One Legacy: Celebrating FFA Week in Virginia
Every year during the last week of February, FFA chapters across the nation celebrate National FFA Week through traditions, service and leadership.
For 100 years, Virginia chapters have honored this week in their own unique ways, but all are united by one mission: to grow leaders, serve communities and inspire future agriculturists. Below are seven Virginia FFA chapters whose traditions showcase the true meaning of the FFA motto, which is “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.”
Rooted in Tradition
First, the Bassett FFA Chapter always goes big with its FFA Week balloon designs, which use creative and bold displays to spread awareness, boost school spirit and celebrate everything FFA stands for. This chapter’s designs help get members excited about FFA Week and highlight agricultural opportunities.
The Bassett FFA Chapter’s balloon display raises awareness about various agricultural career pathways.
The Broadway FFA Chapter puts together bus driver appreciation bags to show gratitude for the dedication and care these drivers show every day. They ensure members travel safely and reliably to every FFA event, making countless experiences possible.
Members of the Broadway FFA Chapter hand out appreciation bags.
The Chatham FFA Chapter celebrates FFA Week with state officer visits and a week-long spirit week. “Once one of the largest chapters, we now have one of the smallest [memberships] due to declining awareness of FFA opportunities,” says President Cody Emerson. Members hope their enthusiasm encourages more students to join FFA.
Chatham FFA members with the 2024–25 Virginia FFA state officers during the Goodwill Tour.
The Fort Defiance FFA Chapter hosts an annual venison feast on the Tuesday of FFA Week, which has become a long-standing tradition. Members gather in the school’s agriculture wing to enjoy the meal and celebrate their chapter together.
Fort Defiance FFA members enjoy the venison feast.
The Kettle Run FFA Chapter proudly includes teachers in its FFA Week celebrations by hosting a staff appreciation breakfast. This event thanks teachers for their hard work, dedication and continued support of the FFA chapter.
Kettle Run staff enjoy the breakfast.
The Magna Vista FFA Chapter honors teachers who go above and beyond for their students and support FFA. Members present their FFA jackets to a teacher who has made a lasting impact on their school journey.
Katelyn Jamison from the Magna Vista FFA Chapter with her teacher.
Lastly, the Spotsylvania FFA Chapter hosts a week-long Ag Olympics competition where members complete daily activities to earn points. At the end of the week, the top male and female member win the chance to pie two officers in the face.
Spotsylvania FFA members participate in Ag Olympics.
Impacts Across Virginia
From small acts of appreciation to large chapter-wide celebrations, these traditions demonstrate the true spirit of FFA. They honor the past, energize the present and inspire the next generation of leaders in agriculture.
