The students and staff of Eighth Street Middle School (ESMS) recently celebrated FFA week Feb. 27 through March 2. The theme of this year’s FFA week was “I Believe.” Students and faculty were given the opportunity to take part in activities throughout the week promoting the national student organization. The ESMS FFA group of seventh and eighth grade students is led by adviser Beth Golden.

Active participation from members allowed both students and faculty to be shown a small glimpse as to what the organization has to offer.  During the week, Eighth Street Middle FFA members participated in a number of activities including trivia contests, FFA student and faculty quiz competitions, socials, and other fun-filled events.  FFA members also provided the faculty with an appreciation breakfast in an effort to honor the faculty and thank them for their continued support.

A nationwide event, National FFA Week acknowledges the organization’s commitment to agricultural education, leadership, service, and student success, while also recognizing its business, education, and civic partners from local, state, and national communities. This week-long celebration encourages awareness of the FFA and the Agriculture Education program as a whole.

Created in 1928 as Future Farmers of America, the organization’s name was changed in 1988 to the National FFA Organization to better represent the growing diversity of agriculture. Today there are 523,309 FFA members in 7,487 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Georgia FFA is the third largest state association with more than 31,000 members. There are 285 chapters and more than 400 agriculture education teachers in Georgia.

IN THIS PHOTO:  Eighth Street Middle School FFA members acknowledged National FFA Week recently by preparing club emblems. Pictured, left to right, are Cassidy Griffin, Abby Mayne, Jarrett Hobbs and David Cheek.