ONTARIO, Calif. — Future Farmers of America (FFA) members and supporters from across the state of California returned to the Toyota Arena for the closing session of the 95th State FFA Leadership Conference in Ontario.
Members that have served on the Executive Committee for the past year were recognized and thanked for their dedication to the organization.
Conference Ambassadors, Courtesy Corps, and Press Corps members were also acknowledged for their assistance and efforts in helping make state conference successful.
State FFA President, Abigale Jacobsen reflected on her year of service during her retiring address. Jacobsen spoke to the connections she made while serving as State President and reminded members that there’s more to FFA than the acolytes, but rather the memories and experiences made.
“The small moments when others invest in us accumulate and fill us with hope and value,” Jacobsen said. “I want to be remembered as Abi Jacobsen, a kind individual who impacted those around me.”
State Superintendent of Public Schools, Tony Thurmond gave remarks and voiced his support for agricultural education within our state. Thurmond encouraged members to value their education and thank their instructors for teaching them irreplaceable skills.
“Each and every one of you is a champion because you showed up here,” Thurmond said. “You are serving your community and your state. I want to encourage you to consider serving others wherever you go.”
Members of the Nominating Committee who have been deciding the slate for the 2023-24 State FFA Officer team gave their report.
FFA Got Talent winner, Adrian Soto of Santa Rosa FFA performed for the audience.
Following the recognition of Past State Officers, the 2022-2023 officer team was honored and retired their state officer jackets after their year of service. State FFA Advisor, Hugh Mooney, thanked members of state staff and told stories about each officer.
Students from Gustine, Salinas-Rancho San Juan, Temecula-Saint Jeanne, Chino-Don Lugo, McArthur-Fall River, and Visalia El Diamante were elected by delegates to serve as 2023-24 State FFA Officers and properly installed into their offices. The officer team is as follows:
- President: Austin Bell
- Vice President: Sierra Short
- Secretary: Makena Stanisai
- Treasurer: Sydney Marich
- Reporter: Piper Lakey
- Sentinel: Thomas Rosa
The 96th California FFA State Leadership Conference is set to take place in Sacramento, California on March 21-24, 2024.
About California FFA: The California Association FFA is part of a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 850,000 FFA members in 8,995 local FFA chapters across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
