“Living to Serve” means turning compassion into action, and Patterson FFA does this every year with its “4th Grade Ag Day” event.
This fall, 40 Patterson FFA members volunteered their time at Rising Sun School in Vernalis, Calif., to help fourth graders better understand agriculture and where their food and natural resources come from. These members helped the staff at Rising Sun School with their “4th Grade Ag Day.”
Teaching Agriculture Through Service
During the event, Patterson FFA members led hands-on lessons and demonstrations. These introduced students to key areas of agriculture, including livestock, crops, equipment and sustainability. Their goal was to educate the younger generation about the importance of agriculture in everyday life while also inspiring curiosity and appreciation for the people who make it all possible.
“My favorite part of ‘4th Grade Ag Day’ is seeing how kids react to seeing different parts of agriculture,” says Juliana Valencia. “Every year that I have volunteered, I’ve always had the pleasure of answering questions and teaching fourth graders new facts about agriculture. The hands-on aspect of ‘4th Grade Ag Day’ makes it more interesting and fun for kids. Having FFA members lead and assist with directing ‘4th Grade Ag Day’ lets kids feel more comfortable and excited to learn about agriculture.”
Teamwork in Action
The event required teamwork, energy and leadership. Patterson FFA members worked together to present lessons, answer student questions and ensure everything ran smoothly. Each year, around 500 fourth graders attend and can see llamas, pygmy goats, greenhouses, vegetable gardens, chickens and even a live beehive. The members’ dedication and willingness to help reflected the heart of FFA by serving others and supporting agricultural education in their community.
Living to Serve in the Community
By volunteering their time and effort, Patterson FFA members showed that service doesn’t always mean planning a big event, but sometimes just stepping up to help where it’s needed most. Through “4th Grade Ag Day,” they helped inspire curiosity and respect for agriculture in the next generation. Patterson FFA continues to “Live to Serve” by supporting agricultural education and strengthening connections, one event at a time.
