The Tyrone Area FFA embarked on an exciting journey to Tyrone Area Elementary School to educate young students about agricultural safety and the necessary precautions for various environments.
The event, on May 16, featured six different classrooms, offering eleven unique lessons covering topics such as fire safety, fishing, water safety, hypothermia awareness, sun safety, camping, hiking, hearing protection, lawn mower safety, helmet usage, and ATV safety. Each lesson included an engaging activity designed to captivate the students’ attention.
Freshman Jayden Albright had the opportunity to serve as a lead teacher for the day.
“I loved teaching during Ag Safety Day because I had the chance to be a lead teacher, which was a new and exciting experience. It was really fun to see the smiles on kids’ faces during the lessons and activities,” Albright said.
Activities included a fire extinguisher simulator, hypothermia relay races, making UV ray bracelets, identifying fish, trying on life jackets, a scavenger hunt for firewood, lawn cleanup, testing earplugs, dressing in proper personal protective equipment (PPE), and examining Jell-O models of the human brain to learn the importance of helmets.
Teaching the importance of safety to young people is incredibly beneficial, as it helps them understand how to react in dangerous situations. Junior Catherine Sklenar, who participated in the planning committee
“We aim to provide them with an understanding of not only the hazards present in today’s world but also how to avoid injury and share this valuable information with others,” Sklenar said.
In a successful blend of fun and education, students departed with vital knowledge about safety at the recent event hosted by the Progressive Agriculture Foundation (PAF) onsite coordinator Nora Hoy with Tyrone Area FFA members. As PAF proudly celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025, it reflects on three decades of dedicated service to rural communities through its flagship initiative, Progressive Agriculture Safety Days (PAF Safety Days).
Since launching in 1995, the PAF Safety Day program has empowered over two million children, teens, and adults across North America, contributing to a safer future for generations. Starting with just 19 PAF Safety Days, the program has dramatically expanded, reaching a record-breaking 107,179 individuals in 2024. Today, PAF stands as the largest rural safety and health education program in North America.
The organization’s mission remains clear: to provide education, training, and resources that enhance safety and health in farm, ranch, and rural life for children, families, and communities. By collaborating with schools, community organizations, corporate sponsors, and volunteers, PAF organizes over 300 PAF Safety Days annually, covering essential topics such as animal safety, chemical safety, and fire safety.
As PAF marks this significant milestone, it continues its commitment to fostering safe environments for rural communities.
