The Murray State Collegiate FFA chapter will take part in the nationwide celebration of agriculture next week. Since 1947, the week of George Washington’s birthday has been designated as National FFA Week for FFA chapters everywhere to commend agricultural efforts and promote the purposes FFA serves.
Mercedes Smith, junior from Lowes, Ky., serves as president for the CFFA and said she is enthusiastic about the upcoming FFA week.
“We are really excited to celebrate National FFA Week on campus this year with students and faculty members,” Smith said. “We’re doing an FFA attire day and a scavenger hunt for students around campus to participate in as well as forming a team for the laser tag tournament at the Expo Center that weekend.”
Because the week revolves around Washington’s birthday, Smith and other CFFA officers wanted to do something to commemorate that event for people on campus.
“We are taking a piece of cherry pie to as many faculty members around campus as we can reach to celebrate Washington’s birthday because he was a big part in helping agriculture take its place in the United States.”
Erin Underwood, junior from Taylor County, Ky., played an active role in planning for National FFA Week and serves as secretary for the CFFA.
“FFA Week is a time for our members and other people around us to get together and realize the impact that the FFA has on agricultural activities that take place inside and outside of the classroom,” Underwood said.
She said she is excited to see everyone get into the activities provided and promote FFA and the agriculture industry on campus.
Underwood said students and faculty who are not involved with CFFA or the Hutson School of Agriculture are welcome to participate in the activities of National FFA Week.
“I hope we see a lot of participation,” said Smith. I think it’s important for students and faculty both to recognize the importance of FFA and agriculture on campus and throughout the country.”
Story by Alex Mahrenholz, Staff writer