SACRAMENTO, March 26, 2022 — Future Farmers of America (FFA) members and supporters from across the state of California “embraced the adventure” during the opening session of 94th State FFA Leadership Conference at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.
“We should never take a second we share for granted,” said Jake Dowell, State FFA Reporter.
The 2021-2022 State Officer team kicked off the conference with a video showcasing the state officers taking an adventure across the state of California. The video highlighted FFA chapters such as Paradise, Eureka, and Mendota that have shown resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
After the introductory video, the previous two officer teams — who did not have an in-person conference during their tenures — were honored. The 2021-2022 state officer team was then introduced and conducted the traditional FFA opening ceremonies.
“Our theme this year is ‘Embrace the Adventure’,” said Marc Cabeliza, State FFA President. “We chose this theme because of the challenges we have all faced and how we have overcome them.”
Eric Guerra, Mayor Pro Team of Sacramento and former FFA member, greeted attendees and welcomed them to Sacramento.
“By all of us being here today united as California FFA members,” Guerra said, “we know we can make things better for everyone.”
Dr. Adolph Brown, author and motivational speaker, gave the keynote address, urging students to reject their biases and understand that everybody is going through their own personal challenges.
“The most effective leaders are also the most reflective leaders,” Brown said. “Don’t forget to check yourself on a regular basis for excellence.”
Later on, the 20 finalists up for selection for the 2022-2023 California FFA State Officer Team were introduced to the conference. The finalists will take part in interviews throughout the weekend before being selected for office during the final session on Tuesday. View the 20 finalists here.
Lastly, Dr. James Woodard, National FFA Advisor, gave remarks to the California members and educators.
“Agriculture teachers, FFA advisors,” Woodward announced. “Hear me loud and clear when is say this: Thank you for your encouragement, thank you for your perseverance, thank you for your ability to adapt in some very tough times … thank you, from the National FFA organization, for your willingness to stay in the game.”
The second session of the 94th State FFA Leadership Conference will be held at the Golden 1 Center tomorrow afternoon at 3:00 p.m.
For any media inquiries, please contact Harrison Reilly at news@californiaffa.org. He can also be reached at 707-337-9539. To learn more about California FFA, visit calaged.org.
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About California FFA: The California Association FFA is part of a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 735,000 student members in 8,817 local FFA chapters across all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
