For first time in 10 years, Greenhand Week is happening this week and the Agriculture students celebrate the Freshmen by initiating them into their class with a celebration.

By: Isabella Sutherland & Andrea Oyervidez

Greenhand Week is a week where the Agriculture Program upperclassmen celebrate all the freshmen new to the program. 

Ms. Veloz is one of the teachers of the agriculture program. She said, “Greenhand week is something we started to celebrate as freshmen. Those freshmen that are in Ag have the opportunity at the green hand degree.” 

In FFA, students have opportunities to earn degrees for every year they are in Ag.

There are four degrees, one for every year in high school and Greenhand is the first one that freshmen can earn. 

Colbie Kelly ‘27, FFA president said, “They get to celebrate themselves and what they’re accomplished with getting the greenhand degree. So, I just feel like it’s a fun celebration that they get to tell their other friends and parents about.”

For freshmen, earning the Greenhand degree is the beginning of their journey in the Agriculture Program and the celebration gives them an opportunity to be recognized for their participation and accomplishments during their first year.

During Greenhand week, all the freshman Ag classes have activities they do. Ms. Veloz said, “During this week we do poster painting, hand painting, the photo, we have a FFA meeting. Then that Friday, they have the officers come in. They like jeopardy with the kids or they have games all about FFA.”

Freshman students in the Ag program say that this week has really made them feel a part of the community.

Carter Edwards ‘30 said, “I feel like I’m really a part of it now, I’m truly in the Ag program…They see us as an individual person and that we can always celebrate it.”

He also said, “I feel more connected because I feel like this is the first step to really becoming an Ag person, I know a bunch of seniors have done a bunch of things, but this is really our first thing we’ve done in Ag.” 

Abrianna Villasenor ‘30 said, “Greenhand week has made me feel more connected with the Ag program by feeling more involved.”

Greenhand Week has also been a way to feel welcomed by the older students in the Agriculture Program, by being recognized and included that has helped them feel more comfortable as new members.

Another student, Payge Short ‘30 said, “It makes me feel really happy, it makes me feel loved and seen, even though it’s my first year, but they’re all being so nice and considerate and welcoming.”

Beyond feeling welcomed, students also recognize Greenhand Week as an important beginning to their involvement in Agriculture. 

Short also said, “I think it means the start of someone’s career in Ag. The start of a new thing they can join and love. And just show appreciation to those that are just starting out on their journey.”

Isabella Sutherland
+ posts

Isabella Sutherland is a Student Life editor and writer, she enjoys journalism because she is able to show others stories and hopes to continue writing for many more years.

 

Tags: , , , , , , ,