Medina FFA opens class doors for Animal Appreciation Day

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – Members of the Medina Central School’s FFA Chapter hosted their annual Animal Appreciation Day at the High School last week.

Students from all three of the district’s schools had a chance to tour the FFA classroom and see about 20 different species that Todd Eick’s class houses in the classroom and on the school’s miniature farm, which includes everything from llamas, pigs, rabbits and ducks to mice. Members also brought in their own pets.

“This tradition has been going on longer since I have been here,” said Mr. Eick, the high school agriculture teacher and FFA advisor. “It’s a great opportunity for the members to show off what they have learned and educated others and for students to see what the FFA has to offer.”

Austin Cox is pictured with the new ducklings.

There was a steady stream of visitors after the classroom door’s opened at 9 a.m. on Friday and the FFA members took turns talking to the visitors about small animal and pet care. The FFA members allowed the other students to interact with the animals.

“We keep a careful eye on the animals to make sure they are not getting too stressed out,” Mr. Eick said. “If they are, the FFA members will remove them for a while until they settle down.”

Austin Cox has been in the FFA for three years.

“I think it is the greatest thing to be able to interact with all the animals,” Austin said. “Where would we be without agriculture?”

Abigail Maines, the Medina FFA president, introduced students to Willow.

Members Kali Schrader and Laura Washak have also been with the FFA for three years. “I really like taking care of the animals,” Laura said as she showed up Kieta the rabbit to visitors.

Kali, who is the FFA historian, said she got involved with the organization because her family does a lot with agriculture. “I love working with the animals. I want to go to school to be a veterinarian when I graduate.”

“This is such a great educational opportunity for everyone,” said Mr. Eick. “Everyone has a great time. We are very appreciative of our administration and everything they have allowed us to do in this class.”

Alaina Boyce is happy to show off Toots.