Reporting by Abigail Ray, Ashley M Acevedo, Anel Lua, Aiden Harris, and Xochitl Garza
This week, Redwood High School is celebrating National FFA Week, an annual event recognizing the impact of agricultural education and leadership development through the Future Farmers of America (FFA). With dress-up days and Friday’s Ranch Race lunch activity, students are encouraged to participate, learn more about agriculture, and engage with one of the largest student organizations on campus.
“We love to see students getting involved and celebrating agriculture,” said Citlalli Veloz, Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor. “This week is a great opportunity to support our FFA members and have fun as a school community.”
Why FFA Matters Beyond Agriculture
While many students might think FFA is only for future farmers, Mr. John Coon, Agriculture Teacher, wants them to know it’s about much more than that.
Photo N. Miller/Gigantea
“When we look out across the country, only about 9% of people are going into production agriculture—actual farming—but 30% of careers are in support industries, like sales, mechanics, marketing, and service industries,” Coon explained.
He emphasized that FFA provides students with skills that translate to any career path, including public speaking, business management, leadership, and decision-making.
“We like to look at FFA as a way of preparing students for college and career readiness,” Coon said. “It helps them develop entrepreneurial skills, critical thinking, and leadership—all things that will benefit them no matter what field they go into.”
Beyond career prep, FFA gives students a well-rounded perspective on the world.
“If students choose to go into agriculture, great. But if they don’t, at least they become well-informed consumers who can think critically about the food industry and environmental issues instead of just believing whatever they hear in the news,” Coon said. “It’s a way to give students one more tool in their toolbox for the future.”
FFA’s Impact on Students
For many students, FFA is more than just a club—it’s a life-changing experience. Sadie Hemphill, ’25, FFA President, reflected on how being part of FFA has shaped her high school years.
Photo N. Miller/Gigantea
“It’s impacted me a lot because I’ve gotten really involved in it. It pushed me to go out of my comfort zone, try new things, and meet a lot of new people,” Hemphill said. “FFA Week is special because it’s a time where we come together to celebrate all the great things we do.”
FFA member Emerson Louquet, ’26, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the strong sense of teamwork and community within the program.
“I love how much people work together” said Louquet, “FFA is a club where you can’t do anything alone- it’s all about teamwork.
For Nathan Webster, ’26, FFA has provided life lessons that extend beyond agriculture.
“I’ve definitely learned a lot of life skills that are important,” Webster said. “I think FFA is fun, and I’d tell future students coming to Redwood to get into Ag because it’s a super fun class, and you learn a lot more than in any other class.”
The Ranch Race: A Competitive, Fun-Filled Event
One of the week’s biggest highlights is Friday’s Ranch Race, a lunchtime event where clubs will compete in friendly agriculture-themed challenges. Students will race in events like the feed sack race, wheelbarrow race, and milk chugging contest, all in good fun.
Webster is particularly excited about one event.
“I’m probably most excited for the chocolate milk chug,” Webster said. “I think I’m pretty good at that.”
The Ranch Race isn’t just about having fun—it’s also a way to get more students engaged with FFA.
“We have a lot of meetings where we focus on business, upcoming events, and leadership, but the Ranch Race is one of the ways we get more students involved,” Ms. Veloz said. “It’s about making FFA fun and accessible to everyone.”
For Veloz, FFA Week is also about helping students understand the real impact of agriculture.
“Agriculture is the backbone of America,” she said. “All our food, clothing, and shelter come from it, so it’s important for students to know where those things originate and to support the industry that keeps us going.”
Leadership, Hard Work, and Lasting Lessons
While FFA Week is a celebration, Mr. Coon sees it as an opportunity for students to recognize leadership and hard work—qualities that extend beyond high school.
“I hope students take away some fun memories, but also appreciation for the work that goes into leading a group like this,” Coon said. “I want them to see how much effort our FFA officers put into making this a meaningful experience. Leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about going the extra mile for the people you serve.”
With dress-up days, engaging activities, and a competitive Ranch Race showdown, National FFA Week at Redwood is shaping up to be an exciting and educational event. Whether racing across the field or simply cheering on their classmates, students have plenty of ways to get involved and celebrate agriculture this week.
According to Mr. Coon, “FFA isn’t just about farming—it’s about growing leaders, building communities, and creating a better future for all.”
Abigail Ray
Ashley Acevedo
Hello! I hope my Bio finds ya'll well! I love my journalism class and my dream is to go to Princeton <3 -Ash
Anel Lua
Aiden Harris
Xochitl Garza
Tags: Redwood, rhs gigantea
