WOODBURY–  As May 29th approaches, students gear up to drive their tractor to school. A fun and long-time tradition at Nonnewaug High School for decades. 

The day starts bright and early, heading on the road before the sun rises.   

 “Our kids show up at like 5 o’clock in the morning and cook out,” Principal Mykal Kuslis said. “I think it gives the kids a great way to find something else that’s fun to do and to connect over some shared values.” 

Over time, Drive Your Tractor to school has been an event even non-agriscience students look forward to. Teachers and students look forward to enjoying some time outside and getting to see their peers’ tractors.  

“Being able to go and see all of my classmates’ tractors is so cool, especially because that isn’t my exact forte but I still really enjoy it.” Izzy DeForge said.

As most classes will take a visit to see the tractors, some teachers make “deals” with their students in order to do so.

“I have made deals with my classes  as long as we do the things we need to do and get done then we can take a quick trip down, ” Joshua Kornblut said.  “I think it’s really cool to be able to see their classmates’ tractors and what they have to offer.” 

It truly is a team effort for tractor day to take place. Andrew Zielinski takes on the added responsibility this month to ensure students are having fun, while still staying safe not only on the road but also in the parking lot.  

“I typically will spend the day outside to keep an eye on the tractors and students that come through,” ag mechanics teacher Zielinski said. “There are a number of classes that like to come through to see the tractors and I don’t want anyone to mess with them during the day.”

As students prepare to drive their tractors, they will spend the next few weeks making sure that their tractor is road-ready.  

“I will be driving an International 1466,” senior Chase Hurley says. Hurley is one of many seniors who have participated in this event for three years, and a soon-to-be fourth year. “To get it ready to drive, I had to clean it, check the oil and all the other fluids.” 

From Internationals, to John Deeres, and Kubota to McCormick, the NHS parking lot is soon to be filled, not only with tractors, but with students full of agricultural passion.