Pender FFA Chapter members celebrated National FFA Week Feb. 22-28, 2009.  Step Up Stand Out is the theme this year and it embodies all the best about FFA members, their willingness and ability to step up to leadership challenges, and to stand out for their talent, professionalism, and attitudes.  More than half a million members, including Pender’s 69 in-school members, around the nation participated in National FFA Week activities at the local and state levels.

The focus of National FFA Week is to tell America about the great opportunities available for all youth. From its beginnings in 1928 as the Future Farmers of America, the National FFA Organization today reaches out to all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.  FFA is committed to developing character and leadership skills and preparing members for a lifetime of civic leadership and career success.

As a part of National FFA Week, Pender members planned and executed the following special events:
Monday:
- Wore any FFA shirt. Officers wore polos. 
- The chapter was visited by State FFA Vice President Susie Fiala.
Tuesday:
- Drove tractor/lawnmower/ATV to school.
- Ice cream social in Ag room after lunch for all FFA members.
- Blue and Gold Day—all school, wore blue or gold.
Wednesday:
- Wore your Greenhand shirt (your first chapter shirt)
- Greenhand Day—all freshmen painted hands green
- Officers served lunch
Thursday:
- Wore new chapter shirt
- Elementary Ag Day Activities: barnyard, bale races, and tricycle races.
Friday:
- Faculty Breakfast
- Chapter picture in official dress.
- Wore Official Dress all day.   

Pender FFA members are the leaders of tomorrow.  They are well-mannered, perceptive and willing to help others through community service such as city and highway cleanup, serving and setting up for various banquets, and landscaping at the park. They are success-oriented students who are driven to achieve their goals. FFA gives many young people an important push to consider their futures- what kind of people, citizens and professionals they intend to be. FFA builds leaders, and leaders impact the future.