Skyline High Students Celebrate National FFA Week with Tractor Parade

Students from Skyline High School’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter marked National FFA Week in a big way—by driving their tractors to school. The early morning convoy, escorted by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, made its way from Virginia Livestock LLC to the school, braving the cold in a 20-minute journey that showcased their pride in agriculture.

The idea for the tractor parade came from students who had seen similar events online. Their FFA advisor, agriculture teacher Grace Bucklen, said the goal was to celebrate National FFA Week and spark interest in the program. “This gives our current members an exciting week to look forward to, and we’re also hoping to encourage students at Skyline to join agriculture classes and the FFA chapter,” Bucklen said.

FFA, a student-led organization with local, state, and national chapters, helps prepare students for careers in agriculture. Skyline’s chapter includes students from ninth to twelfth grade, with backgrounds ranging from rural farms to small-town life. Participation in the parade wasn’t limited to just FFA members—any student with a tractor was welcome to join after attending an interest meeting.

The event wasn’t just about tractors. Some students, like Adelyn Rinker, Heaven Sisk and Alyssa Smelser opted to ride horses instead. “I have a tractor,” Alyssa said, “but I just like to ride my horse.” The students shared that FFA provides them with hands-on experiences, field trips, and connections to careers in agriculture.

FFA President McKenzie Lennon, a senior, has been involved since sixth grade. “We help plan events, travel all over the state, and even went to Indianapolis for a national convention,” Lennon explained. She encouraged interested students to talk to their school’s agriculture teacher and enroll in Ag classes.

One participant, Vanessa Rohrbaugh, is part of the Shenandoah Carriage Company and uses her skills to drive horses for weddings and events. She plans to pursue welding after graduation, showing the diverse career paths FFA can lead to. “We fall under nine different agricultural pathways,” Bucklen noted, “from natural resources and forestry to ag mechanics and biotechnology.”

Warren County Supervisor Cheryl Cullers, a strong supporter of agriculture, attended the event and praised the students for keeping the county’s farming traditions alive. “Agriculture and tourism have always been a part of our history,” she said. “This is what our youth needs—getting their hands in the dirt, working with animals, and learning skills that will last a lifetime.”

The event highlighted the growing role of technology in agriculture, from satellite-driven planting to modern livestock management. “Farming isn’t just about tractors and livestock anymore,” Bucklen said. “It’s high-tech, and it’s critical to our economy.”

National FFA Week celebrated across the country from February 15-22, gives chapters like Skyline a chance to showcase their programs and inspire future generations. “If you’re interested in agriculture, there’s a place for you in FFA,” Bucklen said. “It’s more than just farming—it’s a future.”