The school year is less than a month old, but Marietta ag students hit the ground running and already have several activities under their belts.
Last Thursday night, September 1, the chapter hosted a Splash Bash, their version of a Welcome Back to School Social, on the lawn in front of the ag building. Students participated in several water events that provided welcome relief from the hot temperatures.
The event, planned mostly by senior member Avigail Venegas, was patterned after some activities that the chapter had participated in at FFA camp during the summer.
Members enjoyed sponge races, hula hoop relays, and volleyball, among other activities, but perhaps the highlight of the evening was having a fire truck there to hose them down after a warm day and evening.
“It was a great success,” said Venegas. “I think everyone enjoyed it enough to do it again next year.”
Cupcakes and refreshments were served to approximately 70 students and 50 parents in attendance. While students played water games, parents were able to tour the ag facilities, including the new greenhouse, and meet the recent addition to the Marietta ag family, first-year teacher Kelsi Kamesch.
“I was really excited about the great turnout that we had,” ag advisor Josh Bazor said, “and we’re also excited about the number of kids we have in our program this year.”
Enrollment in the ag program has increased sharply. Last year, enrollment was approximately 110 students, while this year, there are 185 students enrolled in ag.
Tuesday, September 6, at the monthly school board meeting, two ag students, Cade Scarbrough and Josie Dobbins, were recognized by school administrators and school board members for the honor they’ve brought to Marietta Public Schools. Scarbrough was a state proficiency winner in swine production and Dobbins was a member of the state FFA convention choir.
“It’s a big deal for these kids to be recognized for their hard work and successes,” explained Bazor, “and we’re grateful that our school board recognizes that.”
On Thursday, September 8, the chapter took part in a community service project. Members washed fire trucks for the Marietta Fire Department to show their appreciation for the invaluable contribution that the fire department makes in the community.
Finally, Friday was National Read an Ag Book Day. The Marietta chapter celebrated the special day by reading ag books aloud to elementary classes.