Growing Leaders, Building Futures: West Hardin FFA Celebrates National FFA Week
A graphic about the West Hardin SAE Showcase event.
Each year, FFA chapters across the country celebrate National FFA Week. This is a time to share what FFA is and the impact it has on members every day. National FFA Week is organized by the National FFA Organization and highlights agricultural education, leadership and student achievement nationwide.
In Saratoga, Texas, the West Hardin FFA Chapter found a meaningful way to do just that by hosting a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Showcase.
An SAE is a hands-on, student-led project that allows FFA members to apply classroom instruction to real-world agricultural experiences. Projects can range from livestock production to agricultural mechanics and entrepreneurship.
The showcase invited students, staff and community members to see firsthand what members are accomplishing through agricultural mechanics, floral design, Career Development Events (CDEs) and animal projects. CDEs are competitive events that test members’ skills in various agricultural fields and help prepare them for future careers.
Ag Mechanics in Action
Bryson Brothers explains his trailer project.
West Hardin FFA President Bryson Brothers proudly presented the Ag Mechanics Show Team Trailer during the showcase. Brothers has dedicated his entire high school career to ag mechanics. “I’ve learned a lot of leadership skills and self control,” he says.
Brothers’ hard work paid off when the trailer placed second in its class at the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo. For Brothers, the project represents more than competition; it reflects years of growth, responsibility and commitment.
Patience, Passion and Pigs
Kenadee DeDear leads her swine SAE project.
West Hardin FFA Secretary Kenadee DeDear showcased her SAE swine project. When asked why she chose this project, DeDear said, “I had a calling to it. I watched showing all the time on YouTube and TV, and my stepdad showed pigs, so he really introduced me to it.”
Through the experience, DeDear has gained important life skills. “Patience is definitely important with a pig,” she says. “They can be very very hard-headed, so you have to be more hard-headed than them.”
She says her favorite parts of the project include “going to jackpots, winning ribbons and spending time with the animal.” Her dedication resulted in a second-place finish at the Hardin County Youth Project Show.
Beyond awards, DeDear hopes visitors to the showcase understand the effort behind each project. “All the work put in and all the hours put in,” she adds.
The SAE Showcase demonstrated how FFA prepares members, like Brothers and DeDear, for leadership, personal growth and career success.
More Than National FFA Week: It’s a Way of Life
National FFA Week is more than a celebration of agriculture; it is a celebration of opportunity. Through hands-on experiences, responsibility and service, West Hardin FFA members are building skills that will last far beyond high school.
National FFA Week also reminds members and communities alike that FFA is more than an organization; it is a foundation for the future.
