Interviews a Feature at National FFA Week

By Evan Shertzer – February 21 – 25

Awards, interviews, homemade ice cream, socializing and dancing.

That’s how Penn Manor’s Agricultural Department celebrated National FFA Week.

The week consisted of three events. Tuesday night FFA members were interviewed for awards and money they could win during the FFA Banquet. On Wednesday after school, the FFA members made homemade ice cream for all the staff and teachers in room 342 as a thank you for letting them out of class for all the activities they have to attend to for the FFA. Friday night the County line dance was held at Pequea Elementary School.

The awards night interview was a big night for a lot of FFA members. It was a night with activities to decide what awards they will win during the FFA Banquet and also what money they could win to put toward their SAE projects for the next year.

Amanda Stoltzfus, an ag teacher at Penn Manor, interviewed students for awards.

“There were approximately 25 students interviewed,” Stoltzfus said. “There are seven main awards categories with multiple awards within those categories.”

Amber Williams, a senior and reporter for the FFA at Penn Manor, was at the awards night being interviewed.

“I got interviewed for the specialty award which was an award open to juniors and seniors,” Williams said. “I was also interviewed for the IHCC award, which was for money to better your SAE project. IHCC was sponsored by the International Harvestors Club.”

“I am hoping that I get some money toward my SAE project so that I can grow my project even bigger than last. I also hope that I am chosen for an award in the specialty category,” Williams also said.

The next day was the ice cream social for the teachers and staff at Penn Manor. FFA members made homemade ice cream during fourth block and also set up room 342 for teachers to sit down, enjoy their ice cream, and socialize.

“At the ice cream social, we make homemade ice cream for all the school teachers and provide all the toppings,” Stoltzfus said.

Tyler Bauman, a junior, was at the ice cream social and was helping make the ice cream.

“I made the freshman make most of the ice cream, but it was fun,” Bauman said.

The final night of National FFA Week was celebrated by the county line dance at Pequea Elementary School. FFA members and teachers went to the line dance that started at 6:00 p.m. and lasted until 8:30 p.m.

“It was a great time,” Stoltzfus said. “The DJ taught lessons, so those who didn’t know how to dance learned. Even the guys were dancing.”

After that, the National FFA Week for Penn Manor came to an end.

“It was a very successful week and it went smoothly,” said Stoltzfus. “The kids and teachers enjoyed it.”