CENTRAL HELPS STILLWATER FFA BECOME WIRED FOR SAFETY For Stillwater FFA, hands-on learning is part of the experience, but at the February meeting, one member took that idea to a whole new level.
electricity. Linemen demonstrated how electricity can arc, or jump, from a live power line using the liveline trailer.
Led by Stillwater FFA Sentinel, Brayden Arnall, the meeting brought together more than 70 students, from eighth graders to seniors, for an evening focused on real-world risks and how to handle them. Months in the making, the event combined leadership, community partnerships and a powerful message that safety matters.
“I don’t think people realize how dangerous electricity can be,” Arnall said. “But it’s also something that really grabs your attention.”
“Safety is something I’ve been passionate about, and I wanted to bring that to my FFA family,” Arnall said. “When I stopped and thought about how many accidents could happen on a farm, I knew this was something we needed to talk about.”
At one station, the Oklahoma State University Police Department led a drunk driving simulation, where students navigated a course on tricycles while impaired with goggles, offering a sobering look at the dangers of driving under the influence.
The safety demonstrations were kicked off with a high-voltage demonstration from Central Rural Electric Cooperative, giving students a front-row seat to the dangers of
After the live-line demonstration, students broke into groups and rotated through a series of safety stations designed to mirror real-life situations they could face.
The USDA Wildlife Services guided students through firearm safety, emphasizing responsible handling.
Additional stations covered ATV and tractor safety, key topics for students involved in agriculture. “These are real-world situations,” said Robby Branscum, Stillwater FFA advisor. “Our students are around these hazards every day, and no matter what career they pursue, this knowledge will benefit them.” The evening was entirely studentdriven. Arnall planned and executed the entire meeting. n SEE “WIRED FOR SAFETY” PAGE 4
From left to right: lineman Jacob Schroeder, Brayden Arnall, lineman Blane McPhail.