Snow days disrupt FFA Week, community service continues

FALLS VILLAGE — At the end of every February, the Housatonic Valley FFA celebrates National FFA Week alongside chapters across the country. The week highlights the importance of agricultural education and the impact it has on students and their communities.

Although a full slate of activities was planned at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, winter weather disrupted the schedule. School was closed Monday through Wednesday, Feb. 23 to 25.

Activities resumed later in the week. On Thursday and Friday, Feb. 26 and 27, students participated in a scavenger hunt, searching for ducks hidden throughout the building in a friendly competition among grade levels.

The annual FFA staff breakfast took place Feb. 26, with advisors and student officers preparing and serving breakfast as a gesture of appreciation. Milkshakes were also served during lunch.

That afternoon, students traveled to Northwestern Regional High School to take part in the District One Community Service Event. FFA members from Housatonic, Northwestern and Woodbury collaborated to assemble hygiene kits for donation.

In addition to the service project, students showcased their talents during a district talent show. FFA Week recognizes students’ hard work and celebrates the opportunities and leadership experiences the organization provides beyond the classroom.

Promoting public speaking

FALLS VILLAGE — The Housatonic Valley FFA held its annual Prepared Public Speaking Event on Feb. 27, challenging students to research a current agriculture-related issue, write an original speech and deliver a six- to eight-minute presentation.

The event gives students an opportunity to build confidence, strengthen communication skills and sharpen critical thinking abilities. Participants selected topics they felt passionate about, researched complex issues and learned to explain them clearly. After delivering their speeches, students also fielded questions from judges, requiring quick thinking and a deeper understanding of their subject matter.

Eleven students participated in this year’s contest. Hayden Bell placed first with “Pesticides: Use, Misuse & Abuse.” Christopher Crane earned second place with “United States Land Ownership,” and Madison Melino took third place with a speech on the plastic “crisis.”

Bell and Crane will advance to the district competition at the end of March.

Other participants included Beatrice Gifford, Nicholas Gonzalez, Owen Schnepf, Caitlin Devino, Alisa Christiansen-Madsen, Avery Hutton, Logan Padelli and Alex Wilbur.