For more than 10 years, one tradition has helped bring the spirit to life for a chapter. Known as FFA Sunday, the annual National FFA Week event has become a time of faith, fellowship and connection for members and their community.
“Each year has brought lasting memories and a great time!”
For Hayden Stookey, a senior at Tippecanoe Valley High School, chapter president and the 2025-26 District II president serving on the Indiana FFA State Executive Committee, the tradition represents far more than just a yearly activity. From worshipping together and sharing meals, to spending time with fellow members through fun recreational events, FFA Sunday has created a lasting impact and friendships within his chapter.
Hayden Stookey, FFA member.
Throughout the nation, every chapter celebrates National FFA Week differently. For the Tippecanoe Valley FFA Chapter in Indiana, it starts off the week with its very own FFA Sunday.
Every National FFA Week, FFA Sunday looks different. It starts off with going to the Tippecanoe Valley Chapter president’s church, followed by lunch and going to a recreational event.
“In the last four years that I have been able to participate, we have gone lazer-tagging, roller skating, bowling and even visited Sky Zone. On average, we usually bring more than 20 members to this event each year!” Stookey says. “A common question from chapter members when nearing February is ‘What are we doing for FFA Sunday?’ I feel this shows the importance the event truly has, as it is one of those activities that brings each of us together for a day full of fun. Not only is it unique, but it is extremely special for Tippecanoe Valley FFA in the sense that National FFA Week would not be complete without it. If not for FFA Sunday, we would not have the chance to experience our community at a deeper level and follow that with great memories.
Tippecanoe Valley FFA members at an FFA Sunday church service.
“This event holds a special place in my heart for its opportunity to bring connection. I love being able to see our chapter freely practice their faith and interact with the members of the church we attend each year. It is truly a time of fellowship for Tippecanoe Valley FFA, which leads to a productive year and exciting times spent as a chapter. FFA Sunday reminds our chapter of its roots, which is something I will forever be grateful for!”
For Stookey, the favorite memory for him always consists of the Indiana FFA state officers and their time at the event.
“Almost every year, we have been lucky enough to have one attend, and they always do an amazing job engaging with the members and making the most of their time,” he says. “Their interaction with the chapter members is the purpose of the event in the first place, so it is really great having someone else participate in FFA Sunday on such a personal level!”
As National FFA Week continues to evolve and new traditions are created, FFA Sunday remains a reminder for Tippecanoe Valley FFA that the strongest chapters are built not only through agriculture, but through faith, friendship and tradition.
Tippecanoe Valley FFA members bonding at an FFA Sunday recreation activity.