The phrase “Living to Serve” perfectly captures the dedication of the Tyrone Area FFA members who constantly seek ways to give back to their communities. These passionate individuals often engage in acts of service without even realizing it, regularly prioritizing the needs of others.
In celebration of this commitment, National FFA Week honored the National Day of Service on February 17. The Tyrone Area FFA Chapter members showcased their proactive engagement by starting their service efforts early, dedicating the week leading up to National FFA Week to prepare for one of several Service Days held throughout the year.
On Valentine’s Day, members of the Tyrone Area FFA brought smiles and joy to the residents of Cedarwood Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. Through engaging games and creative crafts, the students created a festive atmosphere to celebrate the holiday.
The FFA members crafted handmade Valentine’s Day cards using colored pencils, crayons, and markers, which they distributed to the residents. This personal touch added warmth to the day, fostering connections and laughter among everyone involved.
Sophomore Wyatt Walls reflected on the experience, stating, “Being a part of the Cedarwood activity day and participating in talking and showing kindness to the residents was a great opportunity to extend my leadership skills and work with others.”
The activities included several rounds of BINGO, with prizes such as coloring books, stuffed animal keychains, and word games like crosswords, word searches, and word scrambles. After BINGO, students assisted residents in painting seashells using paint markers, providing an enjoyable creative outlet. Additionally, board games and a Wii console were set up in another room, where residents could enjoy games like Mario Kart and Just Dance.
“It affected me by showing how they care for them, and they don’t think twice about it. I think it is beneficial to go because you can serve your community,” Angel Bertram said.
A total of 18 students contributed to making the Valentine’s Day cards, while 21 students participated in the event, which took place during their winter break. Together, they accumulated 122 volunteer hours through these meaningful activities.
The Tyrone Area FFA members are looking forward to their next visit to Cedarwood. The positive feedback from the residents and the joy experienced during the Valentine’s Day celebration has inspired the students to plan even more engaging activities for future visits. They are committed to continuing to build meaningful relationships and spreading happiness within their community.
The recent initiatives undertaken by the FFA highlight the organization’s core values while promoting a strong sense of teamwork and community involvement among its members. Through their dedicated efforts, FFA members are making a significant difference in their communities, showcasing the power of service.
An impressive 93% of Tyrone Area FFA members have engaged in community service this school year, collectively documenting over 900 hours of service. This remarkable achievement reflects the commitment of FFA members to positively influence their surroundings and foster a spirit of collaboration and support within their communities.
