FFA Week: Celebrating Agriculture and Leadership in South Dakota
Milbank FFA members serve breakfast to local law enforcement, EMTs and teachers.
Chapter Activities Bring School Spirit to Life
National FFA Week was a celebration of leadership, service and appreciation in the Milbank FFA Chapter this year. Members worked hard to plan activities that brought their school and community together while highlighting the impact of FFA.
The week was filled with engaging activities, which Milbank FFA advisor Sara Colombe shared. Dress-up days inspired school spirit, and a country music-themed Jeopardy game brought the competition to the week. Members also participated in a social with ice cream provided by South Dakota State University and organized an appreciation breakfast to thank local law enforcement, EMTs and teachers for their work in the community. Additional activities included an agriculture-themed obstacle course and an elementary school coloring contest to introduce younger students to FFA.
The Milbank FFA Chapter’s dress-up days and activities.
Living to Serve Through Community Engagement
Service was also a focus of the week. The chapter participated in the South Dakota District 1 Food Drive. Members brought non-perishable food items to donate, and each item counted as a vote to determine which FFA officer would be pied in the face. This fun incentive motivated members to participate and supported people in need.
The chapter also recognized local sponsors in the Grant County Review newspaper. Businesses supported two special FFA pages that featured a list of sponsors, highlights from FFA activities and photos from FFA events and the agriculture classrooms.
Reflections on Impact and Leadership
For chapter members, National FFA Week is both rewarding and challenging. “The most challenging thing about planning this week would be trying to incorporate all of our great ideas,” says Bailey Schwagel. “We have so many awesome ideas, but so little time to fill.” She says that the most rewarding part, however, is seeing people smile when they participate and learn more about FFA.
Cody Wiik explained how he has been affected by FFA. “FFA has influenced me by giving me fun and entertaining leadership opportunities and has persuaded me to be a better leader in other activities,” he says. “I have strived to be a better person, do more things and be more involved in everything because of FFA.”
These reflections show that National FFA Week is more than just a week, but an opportunity for members to grow as leaders, serve others and inspire. Through every activity, members are not only celebrating FFA, but also strengthening the values that define the organization.
Milbank FFA members Cody Wiik and Bailey Schwagel.
State-Level Celebrations
Beyond local celebrations, state leaders worked to highlight FFA statewide. According to Caroline Hansen, leadership and program manager for the South Dakota FFA Association, the state officers been promoted local chapter events throughout the week. Additionally, they hosted a social media challenge to engage members.
One of the biggest highlights of the week was the Golden Owl finalist presentations. One advisor finalist from each district was recognized with surprise presentations, celebrating excellence in agricultural education.
The South Dakota FFA Association’s social media challenge schedule.
Lessons That Last a Lifetime
Former South Dakota FFA State Officer Raul Berrones Pedraza says one of his favorite memories from National FFA Week was visiting the Bridgewater-Emery FFA Chapter. There, he met 2024-25 National FFA President Thaddeus Bergschneider and participated in a balloon popping relay, where he and another member broke two of the chairs that were used!
“My experience as a state officer has shaped how I view the importance of FFA by making me truly appreciate the members and advisors who plan and coordinate the events that happen during FFA Week,” he says. “I also appreciate the struggles and sacrifices of the past members that came before me.” His experience with Bridgewater-Emery FFA left a lasting impression, helping shape his appreciation for FFA.
Raul Berrones Pedraza, the 2024-25 South Dakota FFA state vice president.
A Celebration of Leadership and Service
More than just a week of activities, National FFA Week became a celebration of the values that guide FFA members every day. From leadership opportunities to community service, the week showed the impact of agricultural education.
