In a heartwarming community initiative, members of Tyrone Area FFA visited Cedarwood Rehabilitation and Health Center in Tyrone to engage with residents and strengthen bonds within the community.

The student-led Citizenship Committee set out to inspire members to actively participate in their community. This initiative took shape on February 16, a school-wide in-service day that provided the perfect opportunity to kick off National FFA Week Celebrations with a fun-filled game day at Cedarwood.

Twenty high school FFA members led engaging sessions throughout the day.

The morning began with an exciting round of bingo, followed by an afternoon session featuring Wii games, board games, card games, and arts and crafts. The chapter generously sponsored prizes for the bingo winners.

“I cherished the opportunity to connect with the residents, engaging in conversations and assisting them during the Bingo game,” freshman Josie Dickens said.

Interactions between students and senior citizens are vital for the well-being of both groups. These meaningful encounters cultivate essential social and emotional skills while fostering a sense of community and connection.

“Visiting Cedarwood was a delightful experience. It was rewarding to see residents come out of their rooms and enjoy the activities,” sophomore Bailey Woomer said. “Some individuals may not often have visitors, so our presence meant a lot to them.”

Through initiatives like this, Tyrone Area FFA continues to make a positive impact on the community, bridging generational gaps and building lasting relationships.

“Witnessing the intergenerational interactions was truly heartening. The joy, laughter, and stories shared highlight the beauty of these meaningful connections,” senior Maverick Fleck said.