8 Things Ohio FFA District 8 Has Planned
by Lydia Fuchs, “FFA in the USA” News Reporter, written originally on February 17, 2026
From Feb. 21-28, 2026, flowers, friendly competition and friendship will ignite the spirit of Ohio FFA District 8 during National FFA Week.
Across District 8, which includes Caldwell, Sheridan, Shenandoah, Meadowbrook, Union Local and Edison — FFA chapters are celebrating in meaningful and creative ways. Read on for eight ways District 8 is making National FFA Week one to remember.
1. Putting Flowers on Veteran Graves – Caldwell FFA
As the country observes President’s Day, the Caldwell FFA Chapter will begin the week by honoring local veterans and placing flowers on their graves. This simple, but powerful act reflects the FFA motto members live by in their blue jackets: “Living to Serve.”
For Caldwell FFA members, placing flowers is a small token of gratitude for the sacrifices veterans have made for our country. The chapter will continue the celebration with daily spirit themes and conclude with a schoolwide pep rally featuring a dodgeball tournament and a “pie-a-teacher” event.
2. Parent vs. Student Career Development Event Night – Sheridan FFA
Parents, have you ever wondered if you could outscore your FFA member in a Career Development Event (CDE)? Sheridan FFA decided to find out.
During its Parent vs. Student CDE Night, families will face off in a friendly showdown designed to refresh judging skills while bringing generations together. Along with spirit days, meetings, and cornhole tournaments, the week will also feature a visit from Ohio FFA State Vice President Henry Hoisington.
3. Ag Teacher Appreciation Breakfast – Shenandoah FFA
While Shenandoah FFA has spirit week plans of its own, its officers chose to focus on gratitude. Recognizing the backbone of their chapter — their advisors — members will cook breakfast for their ag teachers.
“We want to take a morning and cook breakfast for our ag teachers, as none of this would be possible without them,” says Shenandoah FFA President Lyndi Schafer.
National FFA Week is not only about celebration, but appreciation.
4. Decorating the Hallways – Meadowbrook FFA
At Meadowbrook, glitter and glue are going the extra mile. Members have transformed hallways leading to the ag shop into displays of blue and gold pride.
“This impacts our school by giving students the opportunity to appreciate and recognize the impact FFA makes on our community and our nation,” says Meadowbrook FFA President Grace Kackley.
Sometimes, a little creativity can spark a lot of curiosity.
5. Elementary School Visits – Edison FFA
When children are young, they are often asked what they want to be when they grow up. Edison FFA members are helping students imagine those possibilities.
During National FFA Week, Edison FFA members will visit students in kindergarten through sixth grade, leading games and activities that introduce younger students to agriculture and FFA opportunities. From dressing up in farm animal onesies and inflatable costumes for the youngest grades, to discussions about leadership and competitions for older students, Edison FFA is planting seeds for the next generation of members.
“Getting these young students interested is important,” says Edison FFA Vice President Jon Whitlatch. “By involving them early, we hope to grow our junior high classes and increase participation in our chapter.”
6. Official Dress Friday – Union Local FFA
Union Local FFA will close its spirit week with a powerful statement. On National FFA Wear Blue Day, members will arrive at school in Official Dress, proudly representing their chapter in blue corduroy jackets.
Official Dress symbolizes professionalism, dedication and pride. By wearing it together, Union Local FFA members demonstrate what FFA stands for.
“[This] week, we will bring awareness to the whole school about our chapter and that FFA is not just farming, but connecting with others and personal growth,” says Union Local FFA President Paisley Secrest.
7. State Officer Visit – Ohio FFA State Vice President Henry Hoisington
National FFA Week also brings leadership directly to District 8 through visits from Ohio FFA state officers. During the week, Ohio FFA State Vice President Henry Hoisington will meet with students, lead workshops and encourage members as they celebrate the blue and gold.
Reflecting on his own experience, Hoisington shared that National FFA Week was an important part of his journey in FFA. “National FFA week was always a fun time when I was in high school,” he says. “It was a week where me and the rest of my chapter (Bloom-Carroll) could be unapologetically FFA members. I was involved in a lot of different activities in school, but FFA Week was a chance [to] foster that FFA pride and showcase what we do to the rest of the school. I always enjoyed celebrating the blue and gold for an entire week!”
As a state officer, Hoisington hopes students walk away from these visits with renewed purpose and appreciation for the organization. He recognizes that many members are busy during this time of year with contests, applications and event planning, but says, “National FFA Week has the unique opportunity to fill our buckets by reminding us why we do what we do, and about what is most important. The friends, connections and lifelong memories shared are truly the most important aspects of our organization, and I hope each member leaves the week with full hearts and a newfound gratitude for this special community that we get to be a part of.”
8. Ohio’s Give FFA Day
One of the most impactful events during National FFA Week is the Ohio FFA Association’s Give FFA Day. This statewide day of giving encourages alumni, supporters and community members to help raise $30,000 for more than 30,000 FFA members across Ohio.
Contributions support leadership programming, student awards and recognition, chapter grants and teacher professional development. Give FFA Day reminds us that while members wear the blue jackets, it takes an entire community to support the mission of developing premier leaders. To learn more, visit ohioffa.org/give-ffa-day.
National FFA Week is more than themed days and activities — it is a celebration of service, leadership, gratitude and pride in the blue and gold. Whether honoring veterans, thanking advisors, mentoring younger students or competing in CDEs, District 8 is proving that the heart of FFA is alive and well.
It’s also never too late to start planning for your own chapter. Take inspiration from District 8 and celebrate the blue and gold in your community!
Lydia Fuchs is a senior at Barnesville High School and serves as the FFA Chapter Vice President and a National FFA “FFA in the USA” News Reporter. Along with her passion for agriculture and ag storytelling, Lydia stays active in school through multiple clubs and athletics. She is a former cross-country runner and is currently a member of the basketball and track teams.
The Barnesville Area News will feature her stories for “FFA in the USA.” Learn more about what is happening in FFA across the country by visiting the “FFA in the USA” webpage.
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