On Feb. 21, Washington High School FFA members attended the John Deere Tech open house at Wake Technical College in Raleigh.

WTCC is one of seven community colleges to be instructing students on John Deere construction and forestry equipment. John Deere dealers from North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia will sponsor students. The program is designed to be a two-year associate-in-applied-science degree. Once the program is completed, students are able to receive a job from John Deere at one of its many locations. Students were able to learn about new advancements that John Deere has made as well as learn about some of the classes that students have to take to receive their degrees. The students were able to talk with some current students who attend the program. Doing that gave them the opportunity to learn what it is like being part of a college program. There were six different stations for students to explore.

“The John Deere program is the epitome of ag mechanics at work. I learned about technology that has drastically improved the life of farmers,” said senior Ben Schatz.

“I really enjoyed myself and enjoyed learning about the new technology of today,” said sophomore Kacy Thompson.

“It was fun, and I liked riding in the tractor that was programmed for autopilot,” said freshman Eric Ford.

“I learned about John Deere tractors and was prepared for what the John Deere company can do for my future,” said junior Amanda Lietz.