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.

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.

“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.”

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
electricity. Linemen demonstrated how electricity can arc, or jump, from a live power line using the live-line trailer.

“I don’t think people realize how dangerous electricity can be,” Arnall said. “But it’s also something that really grabs your attention.”

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.

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 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 student-driven. Arnall planned and executed the entire meeting.  

“We are a student-led organization,” Branscum said. “Our officers plan and execute these meetings, and you don’t see many opportunities like that where students take full ownership. It builds incredible leadership skills.”

For Brayden, a first-year officer, the experience was both challenging and rewarding. Planning began as early as July and required coordination with teachers, community partners and organizations such as Central.

Arnall credits his involvement in FFA, along with his background in 4-H, for helping him grow.

“FFA has helped me become a more confident speaker, break out of my shell and make connections,” Arnall said. “I wouldn’t have made otherwise,”

With more than 250 students in the local FFA program, events like this play a vital role in preparing the next generation.

“I wanted people to walk away thinking about what they would do in these situations,” Arnall said. “Because these aren’t just lessons, they’re things that could really happen.”