By LIZZY VAJNAR
Kansas FFA Northwest District President
National FFA Week is held this year from February 21–28, always aligning with the week of George Washington’s birthday. Within the Hays community, two FFA chapters—Hays High FFA Chapter and TMP-Marian FFA Chapter—are part of the Kansas Northwest District, which includes 28 other chapters across the region.
These chapters dedicate time to hosting events that advance the skills of their members, build connections with the community, and give back through service. Members also compete in district Leadership Development Events (LDEs), such as public speaking and parliamentary procedure, as well as Career Development Events (CDEs), including livestock evaluation, entomology, floriculture, and land judging.
Some contests provide eligibility for state career competitions, which will be held in Manhattan May 3–5 this year, while select contests will take place at the state convention May 26–29.
The Hays High FFA Chapter, based at Hays High School and serving 61 members, kicked off the week on February 21, with a labor auction dinner to raise funds for senior scholarships. On Tuesday, they hosted an FFA Week breakfast for staff, FFA parents, and community supporters. Wednesday features agricultural tours in partnership with Farm Bureau at the Grinnell ethanol plant and Pioneer Feedyard. The week concludes on Saturday, February 28, with a public Benefit Bingo & FFA Showcase from 2–4 p.m. in the Hays High cafeteria, with proceeds donated to Shriners Children’s Kansas City.
Chapter members say FFA has had a meaningful impact on their growth.
Riley Eschliman, a junior, shared, “FFA has prepared me for my future by helping me become more confident in public speaking, learn essential life skills, and build self-confidence.”
Jacob Leiker, a freshman Greenhand member, said, “Being in the national FFA Organization has helped me grow as a leader. It has also helped me become more responsible and confident, and it has taught me the importance of helping others and being involved in my community.”
Lily Basgall, also a freshman, added, “FFA has helped me grow by expanding my knowledge and understanding the fundamentals of agriculture that drive others to pursue their passions.”
The TMP-Marian FFA Chapter, based at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School and serving 23 members, celebrates National FFA Week through service, engagement, and chapter activities. Members will participate in a faculty and student trivia contest, enjoy a pizza party lunch while wearing FFA T-shirts, hold a chapter breakfast meeting, volunteer at the Chamber of Commerce Ag Appreciation Dinner, and prepare breakfast for staff and faculty.
According to members, these events provide opportunities to build leadership and confidence.
One student shared, “Being involved in FFA has honestly changed me in ways I didn’t expect. I’ve learned how to speak up for myself, take responsibility, and step into leadership roles even when I felt nervous.” Another added, “Many of my favorite memories in FFA come from the long trips to contests and conventions. Those hours on the bus were filled with music, laughter, inside jokes, and conversations that brought us closer together.”
During National FFA Week, the Hays chapters look forward to celebrating agriculture, serving their communities, and continuing the tradition of developing the next generation of leaders through the National FFA organization.