(PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
FFA GROUP … One of the Wauseon FFA groups for the day of service worked with St. Casper’s church in Wauseon. There, these students completed various tasks for the church. Front Row – Emalyne Neifer, Brighton Binkley, Addie Tester, Kyle Snow. Back Row – Julian Martinez, Cayden Ruffer, Brayden Burkholder.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
On Wednesday, May 7th, nearly 90 Wauseon FFA students stepped out of the classroom and into the community for a special Day of Service.
The annual activity, now in its fifth year, brings students into local businesses and organizations throughout Wauseon to complete hands-on service projects that give back to the community and encourage civic involvement.
Organized in partnership with local businesses, the Wauseon Chamber of Commerce, and Wauseon FFA, the effort helps strengthen relationships between students and the community.
Students spent the morning helping with landscaping, organizing, filing, and other needed tasks at 12 different service sites. The projects are designed to support the businesses and organizations that offer year-round support to the FFA.
The idea for the event was developed by FFA Advisor and Agricultural Educator Chris Thomas, who worked closely with Bill Drummer, former executive director of the Wauseon Chamber of Commerce.
Drummer played a key role in establishing the program, coordinating with businesses to identify tasks and the number of students needed at each location.
This year also introduced a new partnership with the City of Wauseon. Students worked alongside Mayor Kathy Huner and her staff for setup of the service projects. Thomas said the collaboration was a success and one he hopes to continue moving forward.
The day of service began with buses departing Wauseon High School at 8:00 a.m. Students arrived at their assigned locations by 8:30 a.m. and worked through the morning until pickup began at 11:50 a.m. Everyone returned to the school by 12:20 p.m.
Thomas explained that the students enjoy the whole process. “Kids enjoy it, we enjoy it, and the businesses seem to enjoy it,” said Thomas. “Many of the same organizations have partnered with us for several years now. It’s become a real tradition.”
Thomas also emphasized that the event is about more than just community service. “One of the things we focus on in all of our classes is 21st century skills.
By getting students out into the community, they are not only giving back but also gaining experience and learning about career opportunities right here in their hometown.”
From storefront landscaping to moving boxes around, the students made a visible difference in just a few hours.
More importantly, they took meaningful steps toward becoming engaged citizens and future professionals, showing the value of service and partnership in a small-town setting.