By Stacey Fisher
Freelance writer
Special to the Tribune
The Skyline FFA has had a busy couple of months with some very exciting highlights to finish off the year. Going into 2025, they are reaping the rewards of their hard work and dedication. Some of the more service-oriented activities have been helping with the Christmas in the Park event as well as the annual T-Bird Club pancake feed. They also helped with the Thrive Ag Service Farm Showcase where they served lunch. This gave them the opportunity to learn from industry experts about subjects such as precision agriculture, seed technology, and the importance of providing the essential nutrients to plants at the right time in the growth process.
Several select students also presented at the State of Agriculture of Pratt County and to the Skyline Board of Education about events and activities that both Skyline Ag and FFA have been doing. The club also got the opportunity to decorate a Christmas tree for the Vernon Filley Art Museum. Their theme was A Corduroy Christmas. The tree was trimmed in blue and gold with a special ornament to represent each Skyline FFA member.
The Floriculture Class attended the Master Gardner Tablescape Workshop and learned how to make holiday themed tablescapes. They have started a business and are offering fresh floral arrangements. Within the floral design curriculum, the students learn how to order, process, arrange and sell flowers. These will be ready for purchase and delivery around day 20 of each month. These will be themed for the month/season.
Congratulations to Skyline’s own Cory Hampton for placing second at the Employment Skills Leadership Development Event. The Employment Skills Leadership Development Event (LDE) allows FFA members to develop, practice, and demonstrate skills needed for seeking employment. Each part of the event (cover letter, resume, job application, phone interview, in-person interview, and follow-up letter) simulates real-world activities that will be used by real-world employers. These are vital skills in today’s competitive job market.
In news closer to home, Ag students were given the opportunity to prepare and present a lesson on corn to the second graders. This annual tradition is always a hit with the young Thunderbirds who love the chance to spend time with the students they look up to.
It has been a busy and productive semester for the Agricultural and FFA students. This fantastic program benefits students in so many varied ways, whether they are “future farmers” or not.
