Twice a month, Pella FFA opens the shop doors of the Pella Career Academy for FFA members and agricultural students to learn about agricultural mechanics through projects related to welding, woodworking, electricity, and engines. One way members learn by doing is by getting involved in the Pella community, and asking community members to submit project requests for members to fix, build, fabricate, and troubleshoot. One recent Ag Mech class project FFA members completed was building a new set of stairs for the Pella Opera House. After ordering supplies from a local supplier, three evenings of work, and some guidance from an FFA Alumni, the stairs were finished. Pella FFA advisor Jacob Bowers says that projects like these are a great opportunity for students to learn skills in mechanics. Pella FFA is hosting a meal and pie auction to raise funds for a “Portable Animal Learning Academy” (PALA) this evening at 6:30 pm in the Pella High School cafeteria. RSVP to ella.jahner@student.pella.k12.ia.us to attend.