WCMS FFA Celebrates National FFA Week and 100 Years of Virginia FFA

Warren County Middle School’s FFA chapter is preparing for a full week of activities as members join chapters across the country in celebrating National FFA Week, while also marking a historic milestone: the 100th anniversary of FFA in Virginia.

Two Warren County Middle School FFA members stand proudly in front of the Virginia FFA 100th Anniversary logo, celebrating a century of leadership, service, and agricultural education during National FFA Week.

National FFA traces its roots back to Virginia, where the organization began a century ago and has since grown into a nationwide leadership movement focused on agriculture, education, and service. Each year during the last full week of February, FFA chapters celebrate through traditions, competitions, service projects, and community outreach.

Warren County Middle School FFA members gather during a recent leadership training event, building teamwork, communication, and service skills as they prepare to lead in their chapter and community.

This year, WCMS FFA members are embracing both the organization’s history and its future.

To kick off the week, members will travel to Virginia Tech in Blacksburg to compete in the Virginia Tech Block & Bridle Stockmen’s Contest. The competition gives students the opportunity to test their knowledge and skills in livestock evaluation and agricultural sciences while representing Warren County on a statewide stage.

Back home, the chapter has planned a week of themed dress-up days from February 23–27. Students are encouraged to participate by dressing as their favorite agriculture career on Monday, wearing FFA blue and gold, taking part in Western Wednesday, Double Trouble Thursday, and finishing with Hunting Day Friday. The activities aim to promote school spirit while highlighting the wide range of careers connected to agriculture.

One of the highlights of the week will be the fourth annual WCMS FFA Staff Appreciation Breakfast on February 25. Teachers, administrators, custodians, cafeteria staff, and support personnel have been invited, along with School Board members and school division staff.

Over the past several months, FFA members have been planning the breakfast with support from their families. The event serves as a way to thank school staff for their flexibility and encouragement throughout the year, especially during contest season when students may miss class to compete.

“This is my last year at Warren County Middle,” said Harlie Brooks, WCMS FFA President. “It was fun to see how happy all the teachers were. The teachers really enjoyed it and appreciated the breakfast.”

During the breakfast program, students will also highlight one of the chapter’s proudest achievements, earning the National FFA Gold 3-Star National Chapter Award. The recognition honors chapters that demonstrate excellence in leadership development, community service, and agricultural education activities.

Midweek, WCMS FFA members will join other Northern Area chapters at Signal Knob Middle School for the Blue Jean Ball. The event brings together students from across the region to learn line dancing, build friendships, and meet members of the Virginia FFA State Officer Team.

The week will conclude with the WCMS FFA Basket Bingo fundraiser, which helps fund students planning to attend the 100th Virginia State FFA Convention in June. The convention is expected to be a significant celebration marking a century of FFA leadership in the Commonwealth.

Warren County Middle School FFA members proudly display the ribbons they earned at the recent FFA convention, showcasing their hard work, leadership, and success in agricultural competitions.

Tickets for Basket Bingo can be obtained by emailing the FFA advisor, Ms. Phillips, at sphillips@wcps.k12.va.us or by calling 540-635-2194, extension 35300.

For 100 years, Virginia FFA chapters have lived out the organization’s motto: “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.” Warren County Middle School’s chapter continues that tradition by encouraging leadership, service, and a passion for agriculture among its members.

As National FFA Week unfolds, WCMS FFA students will honor the past, celebrate the present, and look ahead to the next generation of agricultural leaders.