Students in the Agricultural Education program at Tyrone Area High School received a visit from two of the Pennsylvania State FFA Association’s officers. State Secretary Michael Riggs of Gettysburg and State Chaplain McKenzie Glass of Meyersdale visited the chapter in early December and conducted a series of team-building workshops with the students. 

The first activity focused on the importance of teamwork and consisted of a student being blindfolded and needing to rely on listening skills without getting distracted. The student needed precise directions in order to make a circle with a piece of string they were given. 

“The saying ‘teamwork makes the dream work’ is definitely true. We learned the importance of teamwork and why working together is crucial to success,” said Tyrone sophomore Jillian Williams.

Another activity regarding teamwork involved the group of students standing on a line marked on the floor, and having to move everyone into the correct order based on what playing card they were given. However, the twist on this activity was that students were unable to speak with each other and could only use hand signals or other visual cues.  This was utilizing verbal and non-verbal communication skills.  

“Teamwork is very important to achieve the goal that is desired,” said sophomore Arianna Reader.

Other than workshops about teamwork, students also participated in an activity to show the difficulties of trying to multitask. Everyone was given a small plastic ball which they needed to constantly bounce on their hand while listening to a recount of their partner’s day.  The catch was that they would need to restate their partner’s day before then switching positions and having to have their partner restate their day. 

“I thought it was a very good experience to learn from the state officers. They did a great job of making fun activities to tie everything together,” said junior Lyndsey Fleck.