FFA threw its annual kickoff party on Oct. 4 to celebrate the beginning of another year with activities, including animals, inflatables, games and free food.

The kickoff party occurred outside behind the Maize Career Academy greenhouse from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.. It was the chapter’s sixth year hosting a party since Jay Super was approached with starting an FFA chapter in 2012. The party’s main purpose has always been introducing FFA to others in the community and helping people understand it’s more than farming.

“Future Farmers of America has changed; you’re no longer trying to be a farmer,” said junior Vivian Steffan, vice president of the MHS chapter. “It’s [about] changing yourself to be a better leader instead of a follower,”
Steffan prepared the activities and made sure all officers had their ritual piece, the moment when the officers recite their duties within the chapter, memorized. Since this year’s party was primarily attended by high schoolers and their friends, she plans to change next year’s party by also advertising the event toward elementary and middle school students and their families.

This year’s attendance was low due to bad weather and lack of promotion, Jay Super, FFA advisor and MCA agricultural science teacher, said. He said that the kickoff party is slightly different each year, but this year everyone who came still had fun despite the complications. He wants students who are unsure about joining to be open-minded and attend events like the kickoff party to see what FFA is. The diversity created within this organization gives different perspectives and adds to the fun everyone has at events just like this annual party.

“[We’re] kinda like a family,” said freshman Madysen Holcomb, who attended this year’s party for the first time as a new member of FFA. “When we hang out, we all sit around, make jokes, and laugh. It’s just a good time.”

She recommends FFA to others because of how much fun it is and that students have opportunities to meet people that they normally wouldn’t through school. Her favorite part of this year’s party was the obstacle course inflatable, and she looks forward to spending time with her friends at future events.

“We try to get together a lot,” Steffan said. “[At Friendsgiving,] we’re going to have a whole bunch of food and kinda just hang out while having a good time.”

Friendsgiving happens the Friday before Thanksgiving Break. With the upcoming competitions, such as horse judging on Oct. 17, FFA has many more events for everyone to attend and enjoy.