Wapsie Valley FFA’s annual fundraiser is an event our members, alumni, and community members look forward to each year. It helps support chapter activities, contests, leadership events, and other opportunities for our members throughout the year. The 2026 sale is tentatively planned to begin the second week of October and will run through the Thanksgiving holiday. Our members work hard to promote the fundraiser and appreciate the continued support from our communities. This tradition plays an important role in helping our chapter grow and succeed each year.

Our test plot was successfully harvested in April! This is always an exciting time for our chapter, especially for our agriculture classes, who enjoy watching the crops grow and develop throughout the season. Seeing the results firsthand gives students a better understanding of crop management and the hard work that goes into production agriculture. A huge thank you to Kyle and Kevin Voy for generously volunteering their time, equipment, and expertise to make this possible. We also want to give a special shoutout to our 2025 Test Plot Committee Chair, Kalle Voy, for organizing and leading this year’s activities. We truly appreciate everyone who helps make this hands-on learning experience a success!

On October 8, 2025, ten senior FFA members dedicated their day to showing appreciation for farmers in our local area. They arrived at school early that morning to grill and prepare meals, carefully packing everything to deliver along with lunch. This annual tradition gives our members the opportunity to personally thank the farmers who work tirelessly to feed and support our communities. We are incredibly grateful for the long hours, dedication, and commitment that local farmers demonstrate every day. Taking the time to serve them is a small way for us to give back and express our appreciation for the important role they play in our lives and in agriculture.

Each year, our Safety Committee hosts the Buckle Up or Eat Glass event to promote safe driving habits. FFA members stand at each entrance of the high school to remind students to wear their seatbelts, put their phones away, and make responsible choices before driving. This event helps raise awareness about the importance of safety on the road and encourages students to look out for themselves and others. It’s a hands-on way for our chapter to make a positive impact on our school community.

On Thursday, April 24, 2025, members of the Wapsie Valley FFA Chapter held a mock car crash to educate students about the serious consequences of distracted and unsafe driving. The demonstration provided a realistic look at how quickly accidents can happen and the impact they can have on lives. By participating in this event, students were able to see firsthand the importance of staying focused behind the wheel, wearing seatbelts, and avoiding distractions like phones. Events like this allow our chapter to promote safety, responsibility, and awareness, helping to prevent accidents and save lives in our community.

In December, an FFA officer organized a meaningful community service project where chapter members created holiday cards for residents of local assisted living facilities. Through this effort, we were able to spread holiday cheer and brighten the season for seniors in the Fairbank and Denver communities. Projects like this allow our members to give back, show appreciation, and connect with community members who may otherwise feel isolated during the holidays. It’s a special way for our chapter to share kindness, build relationships, and make a positive impact beyond the school walls.

Wapsie Valley FFA proudly celebrates National FFA Week each year with a variety of engaging activities, along with many other events throughout our community. During this special week, we host fun traditions such as FFA Malts, “Find the Corn,” Cake Day, and other interactive events that bring excitement to our school. These activities are designed to promote agricultural education, showcase what FFA is all about, and encourage students to get involved. Throughout the week, we also share daily FFA facts and provide information on how to join, helping students learn more about the leadership, career, and service opportunities FFA offers. National FFA Week is a time for us to celebrate our chapter, grow school spirit, and inspire the next generation of members.

We’re excited to offer a beautiful selection of new flowers and plants for our 2026 sale! Our chapter members have been working hard every day to maintain our aquaponics system and ensure our plants grow strong and healthy. The horticulture class visits the greenhouse daily to feed the fish and keep the area clean and well-maintained. We’ve also begun planting for our spring sale, and the official dates will be announced soon. We can’t wait to share what we’ve been growing! 

Each year, several chapter members participate in Rural Schools Farm Safety Day, a program designed to educate students about safety on farms. During both the fall and spring sessions, our members teach students the importance of staying safe while working, visiting, or living on a farm. Through hands-on demonstrations, discussions, and interactive activities, students learn to recognize potential hazards, practice safe behaviors, and understand the consequences of unsafe actions. It is especially important for younger students to grasp these lessons early, as it helps prevent accidents and promotes a lifelong awareness of safety in agricultural environments. This event also allows our FFA members to develop leadership skills while making a meaningful impact in the community.

After each monthly meeting, our Sentinel organizes a fun activity to help strengthen connections within our chapter. These events are designed to encourage teamwork, build friendships, and create a welcoming environment for all members. Activities have included scavenger hunts, kickball, dodgeball, card games, Knockout basketball, cornhole (bags), and many other interactive games. These post-meeting activities give members a chance to relax, have fun, and get to know one another outside of the usual FFA responsibilities. They also help develop important skills like communication, collaboration, and leadership in a casual and engaging setting. For many members, these moments are a highlight of the month and a big part of what makes being in FFA so enjoyable.

During the summer, our FFA members had the honor of escorting the queen candidates for the county fair queen contest. This special opportunity allowed our members to represent our chapter while taking part in a long-standing community tradition. Throughout the event, they assisted the candidates and helped ensure the contest ran smoothly and professionally. Serving as queen candidate escorts required responsibility and strong communication skills. Opportunities like this strengthen our leadership abilities while deepening our involvement in the community.

During the summer, our FFA members have the opportunity to volunteer at local county fairs throughout the area. They help serve meals to community members. This experience allows students to give back while representing our chapter in a positive and professional way. Volunteering at the fairs also gives them the opportunity to meet other FFA members in the area. It’s a rewarding tradition that strengthens both our chapter and the communities we proudly serve.

Every March, five of our members attend the annual Dealers Meeting in Fairbank, hosted by Kevin Bodensteiner. This event gives our members a valuable opportunity to serve, connect, and represent our chapter in a professional setting. Throughout the day, our members help make the event run smoothly by assisting with setup, serving lunch, welcoming guests as they arrive, and sitting at tables to engage in meaningful conversations. Their friendly presence and willingness to help create a warm, inviting atmosphere for everyone in attendance.

Each month, our FFA chapter gathers for a meeting. These meetings give us the opportunity to update members on upcoming events, recent accomplishments, and important announcements. They help keep everyone informed, involved, and excited about what’s ahead. We also provide a meal so members can enjoy time to connect. When time allows, we include a fun or meaningful activity to build teamwork and strengthen friendships. Our monthly meetings play an important role in keeping our chapter organized, engaged, and united.

Every year during the holiday season, elementary students write special “Elf Letters” filled with their Christmas wishes and excitement. Our FFA members are given the opportunity to write thoughtful responses back to them. This activity allows our members to serve as positive role models while connecting with younger students in our community. Seeing the joy these letters bring makes the experience even more meaningful. It’s a wonderful tradition that helps spread holiday cheer and strengthens the bond within our community.

Last spring, members who signed up for the Industry Tours had the opportunity to visit a local agricultural co-op and gain firsthand insight into how the industry operates. During the tour, participants met with professionals from various departments, including agronomy, operations, and crop services, to learn about the wide range of careers available within the cooperative system. Members were able to ask questions and hear directly from employees about their day-to-day responsibilities, career paths, and the skills needed to succeed in the industry. They also learned about seasonal operations, such as how and when fields are sprayed, the equipment and technology used, and the safety and environmental considerations that guide those decisions.

Every spring, our FFA members look forward to one of the most exciting traditions of the year — Drive Your Tractor to School Day. On this day, students drive their tractors to campus, celebrating their hard work and dedication to agriculture. The tractors begin arriving around 7:30 a.m., lining up in the parking lot. The event highlights the important role agriculture plays in our lives and gives students a chance to showcase their passion. After parking their tractors, members gather for a grill-out breakfast filled with good food, laughter, and conversation. This memorable tradition brings our chapter together each year and strengthens the sense of pride and fellowship within our FFA family.

Each year at the Buchanan and Fayette County Fairs, a few FFA members take part in the Bacon Buddies event. This program pairs youth who may need extra assistance, such as those with disabilities or who are new to showing animals, with experienced FFA members who can guide and support them throughout the event. The FFA members help with handling animals, teaching showmanship skills, and providing encouragement so that every participant can have a successful and enjoyable experience.

Every summer, our local towns come alive with a weekend full of fun, community events and celebrations. To get our FFA chapter involved, we participate in several exciting activities that bring members and the community together. In both Fairbank and Readlyn, we organize a kiddie pedal pull, giving younger children a fun and safe way to compete while learning about teamwork and sportsmanship. Our members also have the honor of escorting the town queens, helping make the parades and festivities extra special. In Readlyn, we run a food stand, serving the community while raising funds to support chapter activities. Participating in these events allows our members to connect with local families, celebrate community spirit, and represent FFA in a positive and engaging way, while also learning valuable skills in leadership, service, and teamwork.

Every spring, several of our older FFA members visit local rural elementary schools to teach students about agriculture and the FFA organization. During these visits, we engage younger students in fun, hands-on games and activities that help them learn about farming, livestock, crops, and the important role agriculture plays in daily life. These visits give students a chance to ask questions, explore agricultural concepts, and gain a better understanding of FFA and its opportunities. At the same time, our chapter members develop leadership, communication, and teaching skills while inspiring the next generation of students to appreciate agriculture and consider getting involved in FFA in the future. It’s a rewarding experience for both the students and our members, fostering curiosity, learning, and community connections.