CEDAR SPRINGS, Mich. -- The first annual Steve Skelonic Memorial Drive Your Tractor to School Day comes up May 1.
The event is being hosted by the Cedar Springs Public Schools FFA chapter to honor the legacy of the former chapter president, who died last November. The FFA says the 1967 graduate of Cedar Springs High School had a lifelong commitment to agriculture, education and community.
The event will feature a tractor parade to the Cedar Springs Culver's on White Creek Avenue at 3 pm. on that Thursday.
Here are more details from an FFA news release:
Steve Skelonc, a 1967 graduate of Cedar Springs High School and dedicated FFA leader, passed away on November 18, 2024. His passion for agriculture began early, and he spent a lifetime building a legacy through his work on the family dairy farm. Known for his strong values, work ethic, and love for Cedar Springs, Steve left a lasting impact that continues to inspire students and alumni alike.
In a meaningful gesture, Steve requested that memorial donations be made to the Cedar Springs FFA chapter. His wife, Marie, and daughter, Christine, presented a generous gift of over $1,500 to FFA Advisor Brent Willett on December 9. Since then, additional contributions from family, friends, and businesses across the country—including some from as far as California—have brought the total to $1,745.
These funds will directly support students in need, helping cover the cost of official FFA jackets, travel to events, and participation in chapter activities. When asked what Steve loved most about the current chapter, his wife replied without hesitation: “He loved tractor day.”
In response, FFA officers voted to officially rename the chapter’s annual spring event in Steve’s memory—an event that embodies the heart of Cedar Springs and the agriculture community it proudly supports.
Event Details – Thursday, May 1 at Cedar Springs Culver’s (13960 White Creek Ave NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319):
● 7 a.m. Tractor Arrival
● 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Culver’s Scoops of Thanks (every $1 scoop benefits FFA)
● 3 p.m. Tractor Parade to Culver’s
● 5–8 p.m. Donate While You Dine at Culver’s (~15% of sales to FFA) and Farm Animal Zoo & Tractor Viewing at Culver’s
This year’s event is open to all FFA alumni, supporters, and community members. Everyone is invited to enjoy the parade, visit with local farmers, and support the next generation of agricultural leaders.
To register a tractor or purchase a commemorative shirt, visit bit.ly/FFA-Tractor-Day25 or to make a donation to our FFA Program, bit.ly/CSFFA-Donate.
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About Cedar Springs Public Schools: Cedar Springs Public Schools educates students in preschool through high school classes. We offer a comprehensive educational program that strives to meet the needs of all students. The District upholds a core curriculum that meets or exceeds state and national standards and offers a full complement of extracurricular, athletics, and fine arts programs