ONTARIO, Calif. — Members and supporters of the California Future Farmers of America (FFA) returned to the Toyota Arena for the third session of 95th State FFA Leadership Conference in Ontario, with a theme of “Redefine Achievement.”
Katie Otto, executive director of development of the California FFA Foundation, gave remarks on the impact supporters make on the association and thanked numerous sponsors for their commitment and dedication to the organization.
“The California FFA Foundation is here to serve your needs - all 100,000 of you,” Otto said.
The California FFA State Agriscience Fair awards were handed out. The Agriscience Fair recognizes students who gain real-world, hands-on experiences in agricultural enterprises. The results will be posted on www.calaged.org.
Star Reporter, Web Page, and National Chapter Awards were also handed out. The winners are as follows:
- Star Reporter: Valeria Velarde, Holtville FFA
- Web Page Award: Righetti FFA
- National Chapter Award: Winters FFA
A special performance by Bobby Irwin, sponsored by the California Beef Council, was seen by all. Irwin, a former Texas FFA member, earned the first-place title at the 2021 National FFA Convention Talent Contest.
Thanks to the contributions made by sponsors and supporters, multiple senior FFA members were presented with scholarships to continue their education.
Finally, State FFA Reporter Melanie Orozco presented her retiring address. Orozco described being fearful of state office once elected but later embracing the experience through the connections made with FFA members. She encouraged members to not let fear hold them back from being their authentic selves.
“The only thing that stops courage is fear,” Orozco said. “What if instead of fear, we let courage take over? I challenge you to focus not on what you fear, but on what you have to gain.”
The fourth session of the 95th State FFA Leadership Conference will be held at the Toyota Arena tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.
About California FFA: The California Association FFA is part of a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 850,800 FFA members student members in 8,995 local FFA chapters across all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
