Eighth graders (from left) Morgan Smith, Charlotte Delamater, Kylie Hall, and Riley Worden hold the wreaths that they entered as projects at this year’s Pennsylvania Farm Show.
Story and photos by Rick Hiduk
(originally published in The Daily Review)
FFA members from both Athens’ middle and high schools took on expanded roles at the 109th Pennsylvania Farm Show held in Harrisburg this past week. After attending for many years just to see what it was all about, eighth grade FFA members from Athens’ Harlan Rowe Middle School took a more hands-on approach to the Farm Show this year, a number of students entering projects for the first time. Likewise, approximately 55 Athens Area High School students helped to staff the Maple Products Booth in the Main Hall.
According to middle school ag teacher and FFA adviser, Emily Bidlack, four youths made wreaths, and two made model landscape displays. “My students were extremely motivated in completing their Farm Show projects,” she stated, adding that each of them are also middle school FFA officers. “They are taking multiple ag classes and have attended two leadership conferences this year – with one more to go.”
“We all made swags for fundraising for the ag class,” eighth grader Charlotte Delamater related. “That’s how we learned to make wreaths.” Charlotte went for a natural look for her entry, then added dried cranberries and a bow to make it more eye-catching.
Fellow FFA member Morgan Smith was inspired by the laurels worn in early Roman times as head dresses she’d seen in movies that reminded her of halos. Her wreath featured a ring of pine cones.
“I tried to make mine a lot more fruity, rather than traditional,” offered Riley Worden, whose wreath featured a combination of dried oranges and cranberries. “Since I was the last one to finish, I used all the cranberries we had.”
Kylie Hall’s wreath was an equal mix of pine cones and cranberries, also designed to grab attention.
For his model landscape display, Theron May (below, left) had to look no further than the backyard of his aunt and uncle, Chris and Laurie Comfort of Horseheads, NY, for inspiration. His entry featured a swimming pool and campfire that have been focal points for family gatherings.
Graham Steinfelt (above, right) took a different approach, imaging landscape elements that he would want around him if he were to design a full-scale landscape. It had running water, powered by a battery-operated pump. Neither young man had worked on such a project before.
Although none of her students placed, Bidlack noted, “That did not deter them. They are already making plans for next year’s show after seeing what it takes to win.”
From Jan. 4, when the PA Farm Show unofficially opened with the unveiling to the public of the popular food stands, through closing day on Jan. 11, more than 50 Athens High School students attended as crew members of this year’s Maple Team. The FFA members traveled to and from the Farm Show under the guidance of AHS ag teacher Dave Steinfelt (below, left) to work in the PA Maple Association information booth and help sell products. In addition to traditional offerings like maple syrup and maple cream, they served up cotton candy, frozen yogurt, sundaes, and lemonade – all maple flavored.
For most, like AHS junior and FFA vice president Regan McDaniel (above, right), it was the first time working the maple booth. “I absolutely love it,” she said of the task. “I get to interact with people on a deeper level. It’s so much better than just walking around. I get to help people find what they are looking for.”
As an FFA officer, Regan enjoys taking part in competitions, including a Maple Bee, and helping to coordinate events and activities like an upcoming roller skating party during FFA Week in February.
“As an FFA member, I’m able to help people learn that FFA is not just for farmers but for the future leaders of the world,” Regan stated. “In FFA, you come in a learner and you leave a leader.”
Earlier in the week, FFA members Hannah Earls and Aiden Miller attended the annual PA FFA Mid-Winter Convention at the Farm Show to received their Keystone Degree, which is the highest award to be earned through the Pennsylvania FFA. Due to a storm in the Harrisburg area on Jan. 6, most of the Athens FFA members were unable to attend, but Ella Wilkinson was present to accept official FFA jackets on behalf of the students who were unable to be there in person.