August 2010, FFA New Horizons

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the magazi ne of the n ational ffa orga nization | August 2 010

22

surefire tips for college success

Roping Dreams

Oklahoma FFA member keeps his eyes on the prize – a career in professional rodeo

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ffa

Volume 57 Number 6

new horizons

®

August 2010

The magazine of the National FFA Organization

Kim Newsom

jessy yancey LISA BATTLES, JOYCE CARUTHERS

Julie woodard

Kristy Meyer

RAVEN PETTY JENNIFER GRAVES, ERICA HINES CHRIS HAYHURST, JESSICA MOZO,

JESSICA WALKER

Christina Carden

KRIS SEXTON, CANDICE SWEET,

VIKKI WILLIAMS Chandra bradshaw, yamel hall, Alison hunter, marcus snyder

jeffrey s. otto

Jeff adkins, Brian McCord todd bennett, antony boshier

Yancey turturice

Ryan Sweeney

Leigh guarin

Tori Hughes

CHRIS DUDLEY

Cindy Hall

Rachael Goldsberry

Kristy duncan

Katie Middendorf Marcia millar, Patricia Moisan Diana guzman, maria mcfarland

shelly miller, Lisa Owens

Gary Smith

Keith harris

Ray Langen todd potter, Carla Thurman

Casey Hester

Teree Caruthers

Mark Forester

Natasha Lorens

Editor Associate Editor Copy Editors FFA Publications Manager FFA Communications Proofreading Manager Content Coordinators Contributing Writers Media Technology Director Senior Graphic Designers Media Technology Analysts Photography Director Senior Photographers Staff Photographers Information Technology Director I.T. Service Technician Web Designer Integrated Media Manager Controller Sales Support Manager Sales Support Executive Secretary Ad Production Manager Ad Traffic Assistants Accounting Distribution Director Marketing Creative Director Executive Vice President Sr. V.P./Sales Sr. V.P./Operations V.P./Content Development V.P./Visual Content V.P./Content Operations

8 cover story

For advertising information, contact Tori Hughes, (800) 333-8842, ext. 281, or e-mail thughes@jnlcom.com.

2009-2010 National FFA Officers

Levy randolph, CA

Bethany bohnenblust, KS

Alex Henry, MI

Randa Braune, TX

Chelsea Doss, TN

Chase Rose, MT

Contents

National FFA Board of Directors – Members

Larry Case Chair, USDE, VA

Steve Brown Secretary, USDE, VA

Marion Fletcher Treasurer, State Supervisor, AR

Jim Barbee State Supervisor, NV

Robert B. Calvin Agriculture Teacher/USDE, MO

Wilbur Chancellor State Supervisor, MS

Keith Cox FFA Executive Secretary/USDE, SC

Joel Larsen State Supervisor, MN

Curt Lucas State Supervisor, KY

Brian E. Myers Associate Professor/USDE, FL

John Rakestraw Business Representative/USDE, CO Subscription Information: FFA New Horizons (ISSN 1069-806X) is published Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct. and Dec. by the National FFA Organization, 6060 FFA Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46268-0960. Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art or any other unsolicited materials. For subscription information contact: FFA New Horizons Subscription Services, (317) 802-4235 or e-mail newhorizons@ffa.org. Periodical postage rate is paid at Indianapolis, Ind., and additional mail offices.

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Scrapbook

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FFA Faces

The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

My Life Lessons

Collegiate FFA member Julia Shuck reflects on her college experiences.

Read news, jokes and more.

Meet members from across the country.

11

National Officer Q & A

16

How To …

18

Your Money

20

Cool Careers

Postmaster: Please send address changes to FFA New Horizons, P.O. Box 68960, Indianapolis, IN 46268-0960.

Copyright© 2010 by the National FFA Organization and Journal Communications Inc.

Oklahoma member Will Howell works toward a career in professional rodeo.

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President Secretary Eastern Region Vice President Western Region Vice President Southern Region Vice President Central Region Vice President

National FFA Staff

Larry Case National Advisor,

Chief Executive Officer

Steve Brown Executive Secretary

dwight armstrong Chief Operating Officer

Marion Fletcher National Treasurer

Julie Adams, Mark Cavell, Division Directors Dale Crabtree, Janet Maloney,

Bill fleet, Kent schescke, Vicki settle, lee anne shiller,

Tony Small, Bill stagg,

will waidelich

Roping Dreams

Meet Vice President Randa Braune.

Stay involved with FFA after high school.

Work your way through college.

Inspire others in an agricultural education career.

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18

20

Please recycle this magazine

On the Cover Will Howell, Stillwater, Okla.

Photo By Brian McCord

FFA.org/ffanation

FFA

New Horizons

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FFA scrapbook

Express yourself

Countdown to Indy Getting excited about the 83rd National FFA Convention this October? We are, too!

Go online to ffa.org/convention to find out the latest news about this year’s event, including information about the keynote speakers, downtown Indianapolis attractions and more!

40 Feet of Soap The members of Connecticut’s Suffield FFA chapter had a goal for the 2010 National FFA Week – to make a 40-footlong bar of goat soap, which would be the longest in the world.

Their motivation was threefold – the project would be a fun enterprise for members, could serve as a chapter fundraiser and would bring agricultural awareness to the community.

The chapter members used goats’ milk, olive oil, coconut oil, palm oil and lye to make the giant bar of soap, which weighed more than 120 pounds. They cut the soap into smaller pieces and sold them as a chapter fundraiser.

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FFA

New Horizons

Just Joking What do you call animals with a sense of humor?

Laughing stock!

Why did the farmer call his pig “Ink?” Because he was always running out of the pen!

Which side of the cow has the most spots The outside!

FFA.org/ffanation

Caring for the PLANET

Through a sponsorship with STIHL, the top two teams in the 2009 National FFA Nursery/Landscape Career Development Event were asked to participate in the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) Student Career Days in Atlanta this spring.

During the career days, members from Washington County FFA in Kansas and Perry FFA in Georgia participated in pest and plant competitions, which allowed them to use the knowledge they learned for the FFA career development event.

A highlight of the event for the FFA members from Kansas was meeting awardwinning garden designer and television show host P. Allen Smith and being part of the filming for his show.

Online ffa.org/ffanation

Does your FFA advisor have a neat experience to share? Tell us about it on the Discussions forum at FFA Nation.

A Service Spirit

We know that many FFA chapters across the country focus heavily on community service as an integral part of their program. One such chapter is the Green Bay East High School from Wisconsin. According to FFA alumnus Ryan Wiggins, the chapter hosts highway cleanups, helps with two blood drives each year, donates bedding plants to a local domestic abuse shelter, delivers poinsettias to nursing homes and helps with a local telethon each year.

Online ffa.org/ffanation

Tell us about your chapter’s community service activities. Upload pictures to FFA Nation and join the “I have a Spirit for Service” group.

FFA.org/ffanation

FYI Your Turn

Keep us informed!

This is your chance to be a part of FFA New Horizons. Send us a short article about your latest chapter activities, awards you’ve received or even your involvement outside FFA. Be sure to include a high-quality color photo and your contact information.

Photo courtesy of julie Buntjer/Daily Globe

Girl Power

For the first time in the history of the agriculture program at Worthington High School in Minnesota, the department is being led by three women.

Veteran agriculture teacher Deb Martin was joined at the beginning of the 20092010 school year by Linnay Yarger and Colleen Duba.

“I think we’re still sometimes stereotyped that these classes should be taught by males,” Yarger says.

Not anymore!

Want an easy way to send your story?

E-mail us at newhorizons@ffa.org Or, send to: FFA New Horizons P.O. Box 68960 Indianapolis, IN 46268

FFA

New Horizons

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Win a Chevrolet T-shirt Chevrolet, the sponsor of FFA Faces, will award a T-shirt to featured members.

Nominate yourself by following the steps below. Questions? E-mail ffanation@jnlcom.com.

Create

Describe

Nominate

Go to ffa.org/ffanation and sign up for an FFA Nation profile.

Upload a profile photo and fill out the fields to tell us about your FFA experiences.

Under the FFA Faces thread on the Discussions page, tell us why you should be featured.

Destiny Dunn

LA

Chapter: Grant FFA

MT

Chapter: Big Timber FFA

OK

Chapter: Prague FFA

Kristen, a college freshman, competed in the entomology CDE for five years and was the second-high individual in the state contest in 2009. Kristen has shown swine for 11 years and cattle for seven years and is a member of her county’s cattle fitting team. She is starting college this fall at Oklahoma State University and majoring in animal science.

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FFA

New Horizons

John-Marc, a high school sophomore, has participated in the FFA Creed CDE, been a member of the livestock judging team and helped with middle-school recruitment. He is currently serving as his FFA chapter’s reporter and enjoys working on the school’s farm. John-Marc also volunteers at a local daycare and says it’s his personal daily goal to brighten someone’s day.

Justin Goninen

WI

Chapter: Mineral Point FFA

This high school senior has served as a chapter FFA officer three times, competed in the agricultural communications CDE at the national level, and is a state winner in the livestock judging CDE. Bailey is also a varsity cheerleader at her school and an active 4-H member. Next year, she plans to run for a state FFA office and attend college to study biology and animal science.

Kristen Smith

CO

Chapter: Crowley County FFA

This high school junior is starting her third year in FFA, and she says it’s taught her a lot about being true to herself and how to help others. Destiny is a member of her chapter’s dairy cattle career development event (CDE) team and serves as vice president. She also rides and trains horses and enjoys spending time with people she has met in FFA.

Bailey Engle

John-Marc Cloer

This fall, Justin is starting his freshman year of college at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to study political science.

During his high school FFA career, he worked on a beef cattle and sheep farm, participated in dairy cattle evaluation and parliamentary procedure. He also served as student body president for his high school.

Hunter Jones

VA

Chapter: Courtland FFA

A recent high school graduate, Hunter received his State FFA Degree this year and served as chapter FFA sentinel. He was also nominated by his FFA advisor for the United States Achievement Academy for his work in agriculture science. Hunter says he plans to use the leadership and people skills he has learned in FFA as he pursues his dream of being a minister.

FFA.org/ffanation

Roping

Dreams Story by Cassandra Vanhooser Photos by Antony Boshier

This Oklahoma FFA member keeps his eyes on the prize –

a career in professional rodeo

T

he night before the 2009 American Quarter Horse Youth Association (AQHYA) World Championship in Oklahoma City last summer, Will Howell sat on his grandfather’s back porch in nearby Stillwater and imagined the perfect run.

In his mind, he bolts from the gate atop a sorrel gelding named Moon, throws his rope and jumps to the ground. After quickly turning the calf on its side and tying three of its legs together, he secures the pigging string and throws his hands in the air.

Yep, to Will, that would be the perfect run, and a really fast time doing so would be even better.

“It all happens pretty fast, but I don’t usually get nervous at all,” Will says. “I always feel pretty good about it.”

The tall, lanky Stillwater High School junior and FFA member was born to rodeo. He mounted his first pony when he was just 3-years-old and took up roping at age 7.

“My grandpa bought me a pony, and he would lead me around the ring everyday,” Will remembers.

“Then I got my next horse, Gracie, and learned to ride on my own.

Pretty soon, I was competing in horse shows and junior rodeos.”

Will now has his own small ranch just north of Stillwater where he raises calves for roping and practices his sport. He’s competed in almost every event, from chute dogging to bronc riding, but these days he focuses primarily on roping.

“I’m just good at it,” he laughs.

Now, he practices roping three or four times a week. On weekends, though, he hitches his aluminum

3-horse trailer to a red Dodge Ram and hits the rodeo circuit, sometimes participating in up to four rodeos in one weekend.

“You just do your thing and move on,” Will explains. “We don’t stay in hotels. That’s extra money.

We stay in my trailer. It has living quarters with a bed, couch, microwave and flat screen TV.” Another benefit of rodeoing, Will notes, is seeing the country.

“I like traveling,” he says. “I like seeing new things and meeting new people. When I’m out on the road, I like seeing what’s around me. Yeah, it’s business, and it’s work, but after you rope, you get to cruise into town and check everything out.”

He’s got a pile of trophies, he says, enough to fill three cases so far. The awards include the tie-down roping championship he won at the

Will Howell, a junior at Stillwater High School in Oklahoma, spends every moment of his free time practicing for and competing in rodeos. Fortunately, he has horses and cattle on his family’s ranch, which help him perfect his talent.

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New Horizons

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FFA.org/ffanation

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National Junior High Finals Rodeo in Gallup, N.M., in 2008.

Perhaps most meaningful, though, are the two all-around titles he won at the Amanda Westermier Memorial Rodeo, held yearly at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, an event that honors a dear friend who was killed by a runaway horse and rider.

“Those are definitely my favorites,” he confirms.

While he’s enjoying the ride, Will says it takes a lot of hard work to be a competitive roper.

“You have to work at it everyday,” he stresses. “You have to be in good shape, and you have to keep your horse in shape. You can’t let anything slip, or you won’t end up on top.”

On top is where he hopes to stay, though his future plans remain uncertain. Will says he might attend college at Texas Tech or Oklahoma State University, schools with great rodeo teams. More likely, he’ll first work toward his dream of professional rodeo.

“I want to win the NFR,” he says, referring to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

For now, though, Will focuses on honing his skills and becoming the best. At the 2009 AQHYA championship, he placed ninth in the world in tie-down roping and won the high point championship title for the 2009 season, a cumulative award based on his performance for the year.

And this summer, he’s preparing to compete once again in the AQHYA event, for which he has two horses that have qualified.

“You just do what you’ve got to do,” he drawls. “I mean, it’s business.

I give it 110 percent every time, and what happens, happens. That’s just the way it goes.”

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FFA

New Horizons

Will’s favorite rodeo event is tie-down roping, which consists of roping a calf and tying three of its legs together, but he’s won buckles and saddles in other events too.

FFA.org/ffanation

FFA National Officer

Q&A

Randa

Braune

National FFA Western Region Vice President Agriculture has always been an important part of Randa Braune’s life. She grew up on a small beef cattle farm in Industry, Texas, and started showing livestock even before she was old enough to join FFA. After her year of service as a national FFA officer, Randa will return to Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in agricultural education.

Q

Why do you think livestock supervised agricultural experience programs are so popular among FFA members?

A

Raising livestock was and still is one of my favorite opportunities through FFA. This type of SAE is one where you must always be on time, prepared and dedicated.

An animal relies completely on you for water, food and health. For me, raising livestock was a family effort and something that bonded us together, whether we were working cattle in the pastures or traveling to livestock shows.

Q

When you started college at Texas A&M, what was something that surprised you about college life?

A

Coming from a small town and going to a huge university was something I was pretty nervous about. What I didn’t expect was the great family atmosphere even a large university can have. After I stepped outside of my comfort zone and joined some organizations, I found that college is truly a place where you can belong and be surrounded by friends who are passionate about the same things you are.

FFA.org/ffanation

FYI

Q

What one piece of advice would you give to FFA members who are planning to go to college someday?

A

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Whether you are wondering if you should apply to a certain college, deciding where you should live or joining organizations, don’t hold back.

Q

What has been your most proud moment this year?

A

This whole year has been a complete blessing! But if I had to name just one moment, I would have to say it was during a state convention, when I was in a car with a few members and started dancing to the radio. One of the girls looked at me and simply said “You know, I’m so glad you’re a real person.” It just hit me pretty hard because that’s all any of us ever needs to be – our “real person.”

Randa’s Favorites

This Texas native enjoys singing and dancing, so it’s fitting that she would love to be on the TV show Glee.

Learn more about Randa’s favorites: Career development event: Parliamentary Procedure Candy: M&Ms Color: Pink Number: 12 Food: Mashed Potatoes Movie: Remember the Titans Most embarrassing moment: Getting her car stuck in an automatic car wash

FFA

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My Life

Lessons Story by Julia Shuck Photos By Brian McCord

Collegiate FFA member Julia Shuck reflects on her college experiences

Editor’s note: For this year’s annual college feature, we thought it best to get advice directly from a college expert – someone experiencing it for themselves right now. Meet Julia Shuck, a junior agricultural journalism major at the University of Missouri and a National FFA Collegiate Agricultural Ambassador, as she tells her college story.

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rancher, U.S. president,

Would I really start two clubs at the

lawyer, flight attendant,

University of Missouri? Would

public speaker, world

be possible? Could I start my own

There are many jobs I’ve dreamed

business creating websites for

about having in the past 23 years.

farmers? Would I be among nine

But as a senior in high school,

students chosen to lead a conference

I never imagined the experiences I

for the top 500 collegiate agriculture

would have, people I would meet and

students in the United States? Or

what my future plans would be in

spend a summer in Costa Rica alone?

just four years.

Could a country girl from a town

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FFA

New Horizons

As a senior in high school, I didn’t know most of these opportunities

of 668 people really attend the World

existed, let alone fathomed them

Agriculture Forum in St. Louis and

being on my résumé four years later.

interview secretaries of agriculture

Julia Shuck is studying agricultural journalism at the University of Missouri.

visiting more than 16 countries

traveler and advocate for agriculture.

I wasn’t the valedictorian of my

from the United States, India,

class, my parents weren’t rich, I was

European Union, Malawi and

afraid of escalators (and still am),

Uganda? Could I really intern at

and like everyone else, I was tired of

the 2008 Beijing Olympics, meeting

school by senior year. But regardless

Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin

of class rank, money and escalators,

and interviewing Jonathan Horton?

the only thing that could hold me FFA.org/ffanation

Julia says that her college work includes a lot of personal interaction with her professors, which she finds beneficial to her studies.

back from doing any of these things

awarded through National FFA.

day, and every day brings new

was and still is ME!

These scholarships, along with my

adventures that I get to experience

determination to go to college,

because of the choices I make.

Getting In I knew that my parents couldn’t

allowed me to achieve my goal. In

From the classes I take to the

high school and FFA, I learned that

clubs I join, from the job I work to

help pay for college. In fact, I didn’t

it took hard work and dedication to

what’s for dinner, I choose how active

know many parents did until I came

achieve a goal. In college, I learned

and successful I will be and if it’s a

to Mizzou. So, I spent 15-20 hours

lessons of a different nature.

meatloaf or drive-through night. You

each week my junior and senior years of high school applying for

get out of college what you put into it.

Life Lessons

College is nothing less than a

College is full of life lessons, and

launching pad for your career, so be

like many people, I believe that most

active in building a solid foundation

of the learning occurs outside of the

in education, experiences, leadership,

me build my résumé for scholarship

classroom. College is nothing like

networking and community service.

applications because I could show

high school. Not even classes are the

Employers look for these things, and

involvement in extracurricular

same. While education is important,

it allows you to figure out who you

activities, leadership and public

many employers will emphasize the

are and who you want to be.

speaking skills among other things.

importance of the college experience –

In the industry of agriculture, FFA

having to manage your own

is highly regarded, and State and

schedule and resources.

scholarships. I applied for 60 and got 15, totaling more than $100,000.

My experiences in FFA helped

American FFA degrees are impressive

Of the many lessons I’ve learned

Finding Balance Lesson No. 1: the balancing act.

Too much time spent with friends,

to both scholarship committees and

in college, my favorites are that no

watching television or working can

potential employers.

two days are the same and college is

be detrimental to your grades.

Also, several scholarships are FFA.org/ffanation

full of choices. There is no “typical”

Sometimes the lesson you learn

FFA

New Horizons

13

Julia works on a class assignment for one of her agricultural journalism courses. She says that hands-on assignments are common for today’s college courses, especially for agriculture majors. Laboratory work and group projects are also common.

the hard way is that the No. 1 priority

in the industry you want to work in

found it already, you will discover

in college is to be a student. I didn’t

because they could help you get a job

your passion in life. I discovered my

come here to party or work – I came

or find valuable opportunities. One

passion in summer 2008. I already

here to get a degree, and D’s do not

day you might be able to do the same.

knew that I loved agriculture and

As well as seeking out mentors, I

public speaking, things I learned

get degrees.

While companies don’t base their

also strive to be a mentor to others,

during my high school years in FFA.

hiring decisions solely on grades, it is

especially freshmen, sophomores

a factor because it indicates how well

and transfers into the agricultural

agricultural journalism, a career in

you did your last job. A solid résumé

journalism department.

which I had the opportunity to job-

and network are crucial.

I was active on campus, studying

I have a few good connections

Knowing this, I majored in

shadow through my local chapter

on campus, and if there are special

during National FFA Week. Also

abroad, working and joining clubs –

events or jobs coming up that my

during high school, I went abroad for

experiences that are noticed by

mentors think I would be good at,

the first time to Europe for 10 days,

employers. Networking takes effort

they let me know. While the phrase

where I caught the “travel bug.”

and work but tends to pay off. And it

“it’s not what you know, it’s who you

can happen in unexpected places. For

know” stands true, I’ve found that

I-CAL, the Intercollegiate Agriculture

example, I got a public relations

“it’s not who you know, but who

Leadership program, through the

internship based on an introduction

knows you” is also accurate.

U.S. Grains Council and Collegiate

at a meet-and-greet before a St. Louis Cardinals game!

Meet your professors so they know you by name, as well as people

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FFA

New Horizons

In 2008, I was selected to attend

FFA. We spent one week each in Discovering Passion Between clubs, classes and work, I hope that if you haven’t

Egypt and Morocco.

On one farm tour in Morocco, we visited a women’s goat co-op, FFA.org/ffanation

formed by a group of women whose husbands could only find seasonal work. These women and their families lived on less than $2.50 per person each day.

As we began to leave, an elderly woman, whose physical appearance made her seem much older than she really was, hugged and spoke kindly to me in Arabic.

She was giving me her blessings.

This woman only wanted the best for me in life, for me to be happy and successful.

This woman who had so little wanted me to be happy. I was extremely humbled, and now my passion is to help those in developing countries rise out of poverty. I want a better future for that lady, her children, grandchildren and so on.

helps farmers and rural workers in developing countries.

Whatever your future holds, I hope you consider what college can do for you. Plan every day so that you have the adventures you’ll want to tell your grandchildren.

Learn early how to manage your schedule and network. Search for your passion in life so that instead of working, you get paid to play.

And remember, you are the only person that can hold you back and stand in the way of opportunities.

Have fun, and I wish each of you the best of luck.

Online ffa.org/ffanation

Go online to see what a “normal week” is like for Julia and to submit your questions about college life.

PLanning my career Did you know that 3 billion of our world’s 6.7 billion people live in poverty, and 75 percent of those are farmers and rural workers?

If I hadn’t been born in the United States, I might be experiencing poverty instead of a college education, and hunger instead of the option between meatloaf and drive-through.

But instead of poverty, I am in college getting a degree in agricultural journalism with a minor in international agriculture and communications with a multicultural studies certificate minor. And soon, I’ll start applying for my next steps in life.

After graduating, I plan to serve in the Peace Corps, working in agriculture in a developing country; get my master’s degree; and work with an organization that FFA.org/ffanation

FFA

New Horizons

15

FFA how to

stay involved with FFA

Life

FFA for

Don’t leave FFA behind after graduation

Y

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FFA

New Horizons

ou may think once you take off your blue jacket for the last time at your chapter’s

CONNECT LOCALLY “Alumni and booster clubs offer the opportunity for former FFA

year-end banquet, your FFA

members and supporters of

involvement is over. But it doesn’t

agricultural education to connect

have to be. There are lots of ways you

with the organization that has

can stay plugged in with FFA after

meant so much to them,” says Lucy

high school, whether it’s through

Whitehead, program manager for

Collegiate FFA, the National FFA

the National FFA Alumni

Alumni Association or local alumni/

Association. “They really get to see

booster clubs. Here are some ideas:

how FFA impacts students and have

FFA.org/ffanation

a hands-on role in the molding and shaping of them. It’s very gratifying

DONATE TIME You can also become part of an

to know FFA students are well-

FFA Alumni Affiliate, an organized

respected; make great employees;

group of individuals who are

and are innovative, well-rounded

concerned with the success and

individuals who are prepared to face the world.”

JOIN NATIONALLY Another way to continue your FFA involvement is by joining the

growth of their FFA chapter. FFA Alumni Affiliates support FFA advisors, mentor FFA students, educate at school board meetings, chaperone FFA events, raise money

National FFA Alumni Association.

for scholarships, help train teams

The group is made up of about

for competition, make the news

48,000 FFA alumni who share a

media aware of FFA and more.

common desire to make FFA students’ lives better.

GO COLLEGIATE

“FFA relies on alumni members

If you just couldn’t get enough

for student recruiting; scholarship

of FFA in high school, you can even

money; and aiding with camps,

continue your involvement in

conferences, the national FFA

college. Collegiate FFA chapters

convention and other personal development programs,” Whitehead says. “Agriculture teachers rely on FFA alumni members and countless volunteers to help ease the outside

can be found on many campuses and provide valuable membership benefits, from socializing with the top agriculture students on

commitments of teaching and bring

your campus to helping out with

more support to agricultural

service projects and finding the

education programs. That gives

resources you need to embark on

teachers the freedom to do what

a successful career.

they do best – teach students.”

FFA.org/ffanation

– Jessica Mozo

FFA

New Horizons

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FFA your money

Paying For College

Full-Time Student,

Part-Time Job Five tips for working your way through college

G

oing to college is exciting, but it can also be stressful if you’re paying your tuition

on your own.

Grant Baldwin, student money expert and creator of the financial

3.

STAY ON CAMPUS. A great way to make

location where you’re not as tempted to spend it. He also suggests writing

money is to find an on-campus job.

out a budget so every dollar is

One way to do this is through a work-

accounted for.

study program, which most colleges and universities offer.

5.

JUST SAY NO.

website www.BrokePiggy.com,

“Most of the jobs aren’t really

offers advice on how to finance

glamorous and you may not make

borrowing money from anyone –

your education.

a ton, but a huge advantage is the

period. This includes the bank,

flexibility and location,” Baldwin says.

friends and family members. “Most

“They know you are taking classes

of the time, where the degree came

on campus, so they will really work

from means more to the person who

hard to accommodate your schedule.”

got it than the person reading the

1.

WORK, WORK, WORK. Baldwin says that to help

pay for your education, a job is an obvious first place to start, but keep in mind that your schoolwork shouldn’t slip because of it.

“There’s no magic secret or

4.

If at all possible, avoid

resume,” Baldwin says. “If you can’t start saving.

All of your hard work

may go to waste if you don’t save the

afford to attend that school without taking out loans, you can’t afford it.”

For more advice from Baldwin,

special pill in order to make it

money you make. Baldwin

check out his free e-book How to Go

happen,” he says. “You just have

recommends setting aside at least

to College for FREE! The book can be

to be disciplined and willing to

10 percent of your income, putting it

downloaded at www.BrokePiggy.com.

work hard.”

in your savings account or another

2.

– Jessica Walker

BE REALISTIC. Be honest with yourself

about your schedule. Chances are, if you’re a full-time student, you won’t have time for a 9-to-5 job. Instead, scout out jobs with flexible hours.

“In general, businesses that hire a lot of college students understand that you’re in school and they need to be at least somewhat flexible with your schedule,” Baldwin says. “They’ll be a lot more likely to work with you if you work with them.”

18

FFA

New Horizons

FFA.org/ffanation

FFA cool careers

Agricultural Education

Teach

A Passion to

Inspire others through a career in

agricultural education

and many agriculture teachers go on to obtain a master’s degree.

Agriculture teachers are also required to attend regular workshops and training sessions, in order to expand their knowledge and learn the latest in the agriculture industry, so they can pass it along to their students.

AG MECHANICS instructors

I

nterested in sharing your knowledge and passion for agriculture? If so, a career in agricultural education might be a perfect fit for you. The agricultural education industry is in dire need of qualified agriculture teachers, and with your FFA experience, you’d be a perfect fit! Learn more about this particular career and others within the field of agricultural education.

Typically, they also serve as FFA advisors. Agriculture instructors possess extensive knowledge of the agriculture industry, and have to understand how to teach that information to their students.

Agriculture teachers are passionate about their work, and many work extra hours outside the classroom setting to help their students succeed. They should be prepared to lead students through

AGRICULTURE TEachers

hands-on activities and assist with

Agriculture instructors focus on developing agriculture-related programs, curriculum and activities for young adults and graduates.

FFA-related activities, such as contests and workshops.

A four-year degree is necessary to work as an agriculture instructor,

Agricultural mechanics teachers should possess a wide range of mechanical abilities and be able to effectively communicate and demonstrate those abilities to students. They should also stay up-to-date with the most recent developments in agricultural machinery and equipment.

Working in classrooms and laboratories in high schools and community colleges, these individuals need a four-year degree in education.

YOUTH 4-H LEADERS Those serving as youth 4-H leaders will be responsible for organizing and coordinating activities, programs and meetings for young people.

They focus on guiding and supporting 4-H members with their projects, helping them set goals and assisting where needed.

Typically, 4-H leaders acquire a minimum of a four-year degree in education. While most work will be done in an office setting, these individuals may be required to work Saturdays and attend monthly 4-H meetings. Like agriculture teachers, 4-H leaders also help 4-H members with individual and team projects.

20

FFA

New Horizons

– Jessica Walker FFA.org/ffanation

august 2010

ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION FFA Constructing Leaders of Tomorrow Meet your 2009-2010 State FFA President | F – Amie Burke

State CDE Results | B

Check out our

website www.illinoisffa.org

Officers’ Tracks | G

Officers’ Plans | H

What’s Inside This Issue State CDE Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-C Proficiency Winners & State STAR Candidates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D Award Announcements & American Degree Candidates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E Meet your 2009-2010 State FFA President, Amie Burke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F Officers’ Tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G Officers’ Future Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H

State CDE Results State Parliamentary Procedure CDE Top Teams

1st – Amboy 2nd – Benton 3rd – Paxton-Buckley-Loda

State Livestock CDE – Reasons Division Top Teams

1st – Tri-Point 2nd – Eureka 3rd – Highland

Top Chairperson

Rudy Porter, Southwestern

Top Secretary

Top Individuals

Jacob Meisner, Southwestern

1st – 2nd – 3rd – 4th – 5th – 6th – 7th – 8th – 9th – 10th –

Top Floor Member

Hayley Webb, Benton

Tyler Loschen, Tri-Point Kane Austin, Mt. Vernon Tyson Schulte, Sherrard Miranda Shafer, Webber-Bluford Ed Chouinard, Clifton Central Matthew Hahn, Fieldcrest David Ammann, Highland Daniel Leman, Eureka Amy Loschen, Tri-Point Sarah Moore, Southwestern

State Livestock CDE – Non-Reasons Division Top Teams

State Horticulture CDE

Top Teams

1st – Paxton-Buckley-Loda 2nd – Glenbrook South 3rd – Seneca

Top Individuals 1st –

2nd – 3rd – 4th – 5th – 6th – 7th – 8th – 9th – 10th –

Jonathan Hustedt, Paxton-Buckley-Loda Chelsey Baker, West Richland Jennifer Boberg, Paxton-Buckley-Loda Monica Gunther, Glenbrook South Patrick Sebby, Glenbrook South Seth Strom, Galva Jake Bell, Glenbrook South Rachel Cisco, Seneca Aaron Smrekar, Seneca Jennifer Martynowicz, Naperville Central

BB •• ILLINOIS ILLINOIS FFA FFA

1st – Abingdon 2nd – Taylorville 3rd – Farmington

Top Individuals

1st – David Eberley, Farmington 2nd – James Johnson, Sangamon Valley 3rd – Jake Bloomberg, Abingdon

State CDE Results Continued 4th – 5th – 6th – 7th – 8th – 9th – 10th –

Haley Condon, Seneca Bailey McClelland, Southwestern Jared Allen, Mendota Mackenzie Schmalshof, Avon Clayton Carley, Cissna Park Rochelle Meteer, Taylorville Kelcie Woker, Greenville

State Dairy Judging CDE Top Teams

1st – Prairie Central 2nd – Central-Breese 3rd – Dwight

Top Individuals 1st – 2nd – 3rd – 4th – 5th – 6th – 7th – 8th – 9th – 10th –

Naomi Knapp, Prairie Central Erik Sheppelman, Olympia Ashley Amanti, Dwight Marc Brandenburg, Newton Blake Vaughan, Prairie Central Dan Monaco, Hiawatha Savanah Taylor, Lexington Jared Brown, Central-Breese Luke Moore, Cowden-Herrick Brett Woker, Greenville

State Public Speaking CDE

Jacob Miller

Evan Rich

Creed Speaking

Prepared Public Speaking

1 – Jacob Miller, Geneseo 2nd – Anna Clare Crews, Goreville 3rd – Bryan Temple, Serena

1 – Evan Rich, Pontiac 2nd – Alyssa Zwicker, Orion 3rd – Olivia Harris, Heyworth

st

st

Clayton Carley Extemporaneous Public Speaking 1st – Clayton Carley, Cissna Park 2nd – Rebecca Vaessen, Amboy 3rd – Claire Benjamin, Tri-Valley

ILLINOIS FFA • C

Proficiency Winners and State Star Candidates “Congratulations to all Proficiency Award Winners!”

Proficiency Award Winners Ag Communications Amelia Martens, Orion Ag Education Mark McKown, Sullivan Ag Mechanics Design and Fabrication Andy Schaefer, Waterloo Ag Mechanics Energy Systems Clinton Hayes, Fairfield Ag Mechanics Repair and Maintenance (Entrepreneurship) Justin Thomas, Charleston Ag Mechanics Repair and Maintenance (Placement) Ethan Swint, Geneseo Agricultural Processing Calvin Lynch, Cissna Park Agricultural Sales (Entrepreneurship) Tucker Aumann, Nokomis Agricultural Sales (Placement) Mark Sullivan, Rushville-Industry Agricultural Services Daniel Mitchell, West Prairie Beef Production (Entrepreneurship) Tamar Adcock, Central A&M Beef Production (Placement) Bradley Greer, Pinckneyville Dairy Production (Entrepreneurship) Brandon Pinski, Nashville Dairy Production (Placement) Corey Steber, Olney Diversified Ag Production Tyler Loschen, Tri-Point Diversified Crop Production (Entrepreneurship) Hayden Byars, Cisne

D • ILLINOIS FFA

Diversified Crop Production (Placement) Ty Metsker, Taylorville

Grain Production (Placement) Aaron Prins, Geneseo

Diversified Horticulture Kaity Vancil, Bushnell-Prairie City

Home and/or Community Development Yvonne Zavoral, Kansas

Diversified Livestock Production (Entrepreneurship) Edward Ehrhardt, Tri-Point

Landscape Management Aarom Smrekar, Seneca

Diversified Livestock Production (Placement) Ben DeClerk, Taylorville Electrical Technology Drew Higgason, Taylorville Emerging Ag Technology Rosemary Chapple, Waterloo Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management Trevor Roth, Blue Ridge Equine Science (Entrepreneurship) Natalie Carr, Hardin County Equine Science (Placement) Lauren Wells, Herscher Fiber and/or Oil Production Corey Johnson, Peotone Floriculture Micahel Paulsmeyer, PORTA Food Science and Technology Jarred Winans, Taylorville Food Service Faelynn Edwards, Goreville Forage Production Josh Ibendahl, Nashville Forest Management and Products Samuel Oliger, Mt. Vernon Fruit Production Megan Broom, Carlinville Grain Production (Entrepreneurship) Dustin Reetz, Cissna Park

Nursery Operations Rebecca Crank, Midland Outdoor Recreation Victoria Goad, Harvard Poultry Production Gus Fandrich, Shelbyville Safety Josh Winter, Scales Mound Sheep Production Tim Leonard, Sangamon Valley Small Animal Production and Care Jessica Both, Seneca Specialty Animal Production Laura Child, Amboy Specialty Crop Production Josh Evans, Mahomet-Seymour Swine Production (Entrepreneurship) Wade Springer, Olympia Swine Production (Placement) Kaleb Nelson, Tri-Point Turf Grass Management Jim Tobin, Blue Ridge Vegetable Production Erika Lambattus, New Athens Veterinary Medicine Julie Sauls, Highland Wildlife Production and Management Jeff Meister, Tri-Point

★ ★ ★ State STAR Candidates

Star in Agri-science District 1 – Taylor Strehl, Stillman Valley District 2 – Clayton Carley, Cissna Park District 4 – Jarred Winans, Taylorville Star in Ag Placement District 1 – Westin Montavon, Amboy District 2 – Ashley Luhman, Cissna Park District 3 – Nick Vawter, Farmington District 4 – Ty Metsker, Taylorville District 5 – Corey Steber, Olney Star Agri-business District 1 – Hannah Pieper, Dakota District 2 – Jessica Both, Seneca District 3 – Dalton Shepherd, Rushville-Industry District 4 – Jim Tobin – Blue Ridge Star Farmer District 1 – Darcy Steffes, River Ridge District 2 – Tyler Loschen, Tri-Point District 3 – Michael Paulsmeyer, PORTA District 4 – Kyle Hadden, Taylorville District 5 – Hayden Byars, Cisne

★ ★ ★

Award Announcements and American Degree Candidates Honorary State Degrees

Riley Hintzsche, Rochelle Lauren Schabacker, Rochelle

Section 3 Ryan Craig, Galva Alex Samuelson, Orion

Debbie Burke

Virgil Burke Jeff Bremer Lisa Bremer Daniel Reeder Janet Gillen Richard Gillen Nels Kasey Autumn Kasey Will Robinson Ann Robinson Tim Henert Kelly Henert Loran Wilken Gary Bruch Bob Hall John Riordan Greg Webb Tammy Yard Sara Pohl Craig Beckmeier Jon Althaus Dr. Fred Kolb Neil Merchen Dr. Jim Zaczek Roger Ward Jason Bunting Alex Marshall Jeff Clifton Jeff Robison Morris McClelland

American STAR Candidates Star Agri-Science Rachal Wolfe, Taylorville Star Ag Placement Mike McMahon, Chicago High School for Agricultural Science Star Ag Business Jeff Barnes, Somonauk Leland Star Farmer Jordon Wagner, Marissa

Section 4 Jill Nesbitt, Mercer County Ellen Reeder, United Section 5 Kasey Simmons, Brimfield Matt Bade, Midland Emily Bogner, Midland Michael Giugler, Midland Mitchell Daugherty, Roanoke-Benson Section 6 Chris Paulsen, Hiawatha Sarah M. Wierich, Hinckley-Big Rock

Section 15 Jillann Prough, Jerseyville Kristen D. Springer, Jerseyville Gage L. Braley, Northwestern Section 16 Caleb Corzine, Central A&M Dalton Shasteen, Sullivan Chance Meteer, Taylorville Rachal Wolf, Taylorville Section 17 Caitlin Carson, Paxton-Buckley-Loda Section 18 Amie Burke, Oakwood

Section 7 Katherine McLachlan, Mendota Sara Brockman, Seneca Jeffrey Barnes, Somonauk-Leland

Section 19 Nicholas Suess, Greenville Jake Tester, Nokomis Kaleb Pruemer, Shelbyville

Section 8 Michael McMahon, Chicago Ag Science

Section 20 Kyle Kuhns, Altamont Kiersten Kasey, Charleston Nicole Carlen, Cumberland Samantha McClain, Cumberland Justin Beitz, Stewardson-Strasburg

Section 9 Patrick Kelly, Flanagan-Cornell Section 10 Ed Dubrick, Cissna Park Stephen Marshall, Cissna Park Maria Maul, Cissna Park Cory Kregel, Cissna Park Kimberly Lange, Cissna Park Mallory Redeker, Cissna Park Ross Wilken, Iroquois West Jacob E. Froelich, Tri-Point Section 11 Brittany Pieper, Bushnell-Prairie City Lee Phillip Genenbacher, Liberty Drew Klingele, Liberty Zachary R. Roberts, Liberty Jennifer Ewing, Rushville-Industry Austin Manuel Tate, West Prairie

American Degree Candidates

Section 12 Logan Frye, Illini Central J. Landon Frye, Illini Central

Section 2 Dana Henert, Ashton-Franklin Center Austin Anderson, Oregon

Section 13 Aaron Sharrow, Bluffs Hannah Vortman, Bluffs Nathan Brown, Carrollton Landry Prough, Carrollton Tyler Shafer, Carrollton Kenny Manson, Griggsville-Perry A.J. DeOrnellas, Jacksonville Darcie Rahe, Triopia Andy R. Woods, Western

Section 1 Haylee Endress, Eastland Matt Miller, Eastland Mike Rose, Eastland Joshua Bolen, Forreston Jacob Snook, Pearl City Andrew Conrad, Scales Mound

Section 14 Christopher Devlin, A-C Central Matt Mahoney, A-C Central Franklin Garnett, Greenview

Section 21 Dan Whitener, Nashville Kristopher Meyer, Salem Jacob Kabat, Waltonville Section 22 Jeff Wegmann, Central-Breese Jordon Wagner, Marissa Krista Juenger, New Athens Katie L. Mosbacher, Valmeyer Aaron Rusteberg, Valmeyer Section 23 Tamara Murphy, Cisne Jenna Richardson, Cisne Mitchell Colyer, Fairfield Ashlea Tucker, Fairfield Andrew Crites, Olney Matthew Dehlinger, Olney Mason Dehlinger, Olney Jordon Ridgely, Olney Kody Aldrich, Red Hill Emily Hatfield, Wayne City Jentzi Rae Schumm, Wayne City Section 24 Cyle Harner, Goreville Section 25 Michael Stamps, Eldorado

ILLINOIS FFA • E

Meet Amie Burke State FFA President Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Do you have a vision of what you would like to accomplish? My mom works for an eye clinic and I am constantly reminded how precious our vision really is. I was again reminded of how much we take our vision for granted while I was watching the 2010 Winter Olympics. The United States had a fourperson men’s bobsled team that had a golden vision. The driver of the U.S. bobsled, “The Night Train”, had a vision of his own. Steve Holcomb had a deteriorating eye condition and was used to feeling the track and the movement of the bobsled to guide the team to the finish.

In March of 2009 Holcomb was ready to end his Olympic vision because he was nearly blind. Before throwing in the towel, he tried one last measure, a radical eye surgery that was not yet approved for use in the United States. The procedure improved his eyesight significantly. His increase in vision caused him to get distracted by even the smallest cracks and disturbances in the ice. He then realized his golden vision would be “destroyed” because his eyesight was distracting him and taking his focus off the gold medal goal.

Holcomb then scratched his helmet’s face shield so that he would no longer be distracted by his own vision.

I look at the Illinois FFA as a bobsled team. There are times when we have our goal in sight. We are at the top of the bobsled track and see the finish line, the goal, at the bottom. The only things that stand in the way of us and the goal are turns, ruts in the ice and other obstacles. Life is unpredictable,

F • ILLINOIS FFA

and we have to take those obstacles as they come. When we focus on the cracks in the ice as we are headed down the track; that is when we lose sight of the big picture and final goal.

As we go through high school and life we get wrapped up in the everyday happenings. The insignificant things begin to wear on us. We start to listen to what others tell us we should be because we think it will help us reach the finish, and that is when we start to lose our vision. Sometimes we even let our own distractions get in the way of the team.

“The Night Train” does not go without a fourperson team to push and keep the momentum going. Without all of the support it would not have accomplished the golden vision. There is no way I would have made it through this past year without the endless support given to me by my family, friends, teammates, FFA Center staff, Illinois FFA and of course the Agricultural community. An encouraging word, advice and “kicking the cat” in Mr. Craft’s office have taught me that no matter what the obstacle may be we can overcome it together.

Needless to say this past year has flown by!

There were times when I was distracted and worried by the ruts in the ice, but I would remember why I am really here, which is to serve you, the FFA members. I would think of FFA and look at the big picture of life. There is a difference between gliding down the track and enjoying the journey.

Thank you Illinois FFA for allowing me to enjoy my run! Do not lose sight of your goals and dreams. Keep your focus!

Officers’ Tracks

GROWMARK Board Meeting – March 15, 2010 On March 15, the Major State Officer Team attended the GROWMARK board meeting. It was a nice opportunity for the State Officer Team to eat lunch with the Board. They were able to attend part of the meeting and visit about their year as State Officers and future plans. We would like to thank GROWMARK for their support and also thank the Board for their time.

Ag Legislative Day – March 16, 2010

On March 16, blue jackets from across the state of Illinois gathered at the State Capitol in Springfield. Throughout the day FFA members assembled and delivered commodity baskets and boxed lunches to the Illinois legislators and office holders. Amie was able to speak to the Illinois Senate and was also introduced to the House of Representatives. It was a great day; thank you to everyone for all of your support for agriculture!

Farm Bureau Youth Conference – March 29-30, 2010 On March 29-30, over 500 FFA members, advisors and guests gathered in Decatur for the annual Farm Bureau and Affiliates Youth Conference. The members participated in various events such as exciting power sessions, an FFA Dance, a “team construction activity” and reflections by the major state officer team. We sure constructed some awesome leaders at the 2010 conference! We would like to send out a special thanks to Illinois Farm Bureau, GROWMARK, Country Financial Services, IAA Credit Union and Prairie Farms Dairy for sponsoring this event!

Illinois Agri-Women’s Conference – April 15, 2010 On April 15, Amie, Ellen and Kiersten presented at the Illinois Agri-Women board meeting in Bloomington-Normal. It was a great time for them to interact and network with other women in agriculture and for the Agri-Women to hear about their year of service.

State FFA Officer Meeting – April 16-17, 2010 On April 16, Amie, Ellen, Kiersten, Adam and the section presidents gathered in Morton for the April State Officer meeting. They spent Friday and Saturday finalizing information for the 82nd State FFA Convention. It was nice for the team to spend some time together as the year is quickly drawing to an end.

ILLINOIS FFA • G

Officers’ Future Plans Amie Burke, State President, plans to spend time with friends and family this summer while enjoying the simple things in life. Amie will work her days away this summer before attending Illinois State University in the fall. She plans to major in Agricultural Communications/ Leadership and will also be engaging in American Sign Language courses. Amie plans to hold a career in Public Relations for an Agricultural Company while also working as a certified sign language interpreter for the state of Illinois.

Caroline Bremer, State Vice President, will be headed overseas the week after state convention to visit Italy, Austria and Germany with her Aunt Sue. After her European travels, she is excited to come back to Metropolis to spend the month of July enjoying her time with family and friends and catching up on all of the Southern barbecue and sweet tea that she has dearly missed. In August, Caroline will load up the Civic and take off to Oklahoma State University where she plans to major in Agricultural

H • ILLINOIS FFA

Economics before attending law school.

She hopes to pursue a career in either environmental or corporate law.

Ellen Reeder, State Reporter, will return home to the family farm in rural Warren County for the summer where she will be spend time with friends and family while working on the farm, taking summer classes, and showing Hunter/ Jumper horses. In the fall, Ellen will attend the University of Illinois to major in Agricultural Communications with a minor in Crop Science. She hopes to someday work for a leading agricultural company in the Communications or Public Relations department.

Kiersten Kasey, State Secretary, plans to head home to Ashmore for the summer where she will continue raising and showing sheep. In August, Kiersten will start classes at Lake Land College. After finishing at Lake Land, she plans on transferring to the University of Illinois to complete her degree in Agricultural Education. She

hopes to become a high school agriculture instructor.

Adam Herwig, State Treasurer, plans to head home to Franklin Grove for a few weeks after retiring from serving the Illinois FFA. He will then move down to Carbondale and start working. He plans to major in Ag Business at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. He would like to hold a career at a bank managing farm accounts and farm loans after graduating from college; while still continuing to raise and breed Shorthorn cattle.

Special Thanks …

Amie, Caroline, Ellen, Kiersten and Adam would like to thank all of the Illinois FFA members and Advisors who made our year of service so eventful, interesting and enjoyable.

We would also like to thank the Illinois FFA State Staff and Administrative Assistants. It is because of YOU that we were able to fulfill our responsibilities and make life-lasting memories!

AUGUST 2010

California FFA PAGE

C

PAGE

On the Go!

H

State Finals Results

PAGE

Get the Scoop!

L

Outstanding Chapter: Potter Valley

PAGE

J Check out our

website www.californiaffa.org

What’s Inside This Issue Meet Your New Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B State Officers on the Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C State Convention Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F State Final Judging Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H Outstanding Chapter: Potter Valley FFA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J Chapter Scoops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L

Meet Your New State Officers

Vincent Pellegri State President Hometown: Herald, CA FFA Chapter: Galt

Lindsey Anderson State Vice President Hometown: Escalon

FFA Chapter: Escalon FFA

SAE Projects: Market Hog and Beef Production Placement

Date of Birth: 12/28/91

Favorite CDE: Parliamentary Procedure

Siblings: Krista and Jason

College: CSU Chico

Timeline of FFA Offices Held: 2007-2008 Greenhand President, 2008-2009 Chapter President, 2008-2009 Sectional President, 20092010 Chapter Public Relations, 2009-2010 Central Regional Vice-President Goals: Agriculture Teacher Date of Birth: 12/31/91 Parents: Shelly Stepps and Edward Pellegri

Siblings: Carol (18-twin) and Shannon (29) Favorite Movie: The Goonies Favorite Food: Chicken strips and fries Favorite Book: Harry Potter 1-7 Favorite School Subject: Sculpture and English Favorite Color: Neon blue

Favorite Saying: “The more you lose yourself in something bigger than yourself, the more energy you will have.”

Parents: Teresa and Randy Anderson Favorite Movie: The Guardian

Favorite Food: Beijing beef and orange chicken from Panda Express

Favorite Sport: Baseball

Favorite Hobbies: Skateboarding, snowboarding, listening to music, attending concerts, bonfires and reading

B • CALIFORNIA FFA

Hometown: Bakersfield

Jessica Vazquez State Reporter

Hometown: Grass Valley

Hometown: Cottonwood

Date of Birth: 12/3/90

FFA Chapter: Nevada Union FFA

FFA Chapter: West Valley FFA

FFA Chapter: Foothill FFA Parents: Jesus and Deida Garia

Date of Birth: 5/2/92

Date of Birth: 1/12/92

Sibling: Eddie (29), Andrew (23) and Jesse (22)

Parents: Danny and Katie Granholm

Parents: Tom and Judy Vazquez

Favorite Movie: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Siblings: Kaycee Granholm

Siblings: Jacob (17), Travis (14) and Tommy (11)

Favorite Food: Italian

Favorite Book: Bend in the Road by Nicholas Sparks

Favorite Book: The Bible and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Favorite School Subject (other than ag): Any Math class, especially AP Stats

Favorite School Subject (other than ag): American History

Favorite Color: Teal

Favorite Color: Purple

Favorite Saying: “A person will be just about as happy as they make up their mind to be.” ~ Abraham Lincoln

Favorite Saying: “Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” ~ Babe Ruth

Favorite Song: American Honey – Lady Antebellum

Favorite Song: Unwritten

by Natasha Bedingfield

Favorite Cartoon Characters: Flounder or Brittney (the chipett)

Favorite Cartoon Character: Mickey Mouse

Favorite Sport: Soccer or volleyball

Favorite Hobbies: Scrapbooking, journaling, movies and shopping

Favorite Hobbies: Showing pigs, scrapbooking, making movies, shopping, watching movies, and working for Ford but driving my Chevy

Favorite Sport: Baseball

Siblings: Nicole (16) Favorite Movie: Remember the Titans and Young Guns

Favorite Song: The Girl – City and Colour, and One Day – Matisyahu Favorite Cartoon Character: Tommy Pickles – Rugrats

Ben Granholm State FFA Treasurer

Jacquelynne Garcia State Secretary

Favorite Food: Italian (calzones in particular) Casey Erickson State Sentinel

Hometown: Porterville FFA Chapter: Porterville FFA

Date of Birth: 10/27/92 Parents: Brad and Tamara Erickson

Favorite Book: Flint

by Louis L’Amour Favorite School Subject (other than ag): History Favorite Color: Blue Favorite Saying: “Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill

Favorite Movie: Top Gun Favorite Food: Enchiladas Favorite Book: Where the Red Fern Grows Favorite School Subject (other than ag): U.S. History Favorite Color: Green Favorite Saying: “Some people want it to happen, some people wish it would happen, and some people make it happen.” ~ Michael Jordan

Favorite Movie: The Blind Side Favorite Food: Chocolate pie Favorite Book: The Bible Favorite School Subject (other than ag): American Government Favorite Color: Pink Favorite Saying: “Character is who you are when no one is watching.”

Favorite Song: Eye of the Tiger

Favorite Song: Yours to Take

by Jimmy Needham

Favorite Cartoon Characters: Tom and Jerry

Favorite Cartoon Character: Minnie Mouse

Favorite Sport: Basketball Hobbies: Hunting and fishing

of creative effort.” ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt Favorite Song: For Those About to Rock

by AC/DC Favorite Cartoon Character: Yogi the Bear Favorite Sport: Football Favorite Hobbies: Camping, hunting, off roading, snowboarding and golf

Favorite Sport: Swimming Favorite Hobbies: Scrapbooking, chocolate, swimming, knitting, laughing and running from my brothers as they try to tackle me

State Officers on the Go Adrienne Bradley State President

This past year as a state officer has been the experience of a lifetime.

Not only have I had an incredibly fun and exciting year, but I have had the opportunity to understand and create some life philosophies. For example, I have learned that something as simple as a three-legged stool can define who we are as individuals. Just like a stool cannot stand strong without a leg, we are not able to be the independent, strong individuals we are capable of being without one of the essential legs: perseverance through struggles, our character and how we choose to live our lives.

“Ten percent of life is what happens; the other 90 percent is how we react to it.” Each and every one of us faces experiences that test our character, whether they are our life struggles or mistakes we have made. Instead of finding excuses to justify our actions, we can take the road less traveled by considering struggles as opportunities to practice our character, whether it’s integrity, courage or honesty. It is time to stop focusing on the past and start focusing on how to spend that 90 percent of life. Don’t let what has happened in the past diminish preparation in the present for the future.

When we filter through everything going on in our lives, it can all be boiled down to our character, which is defined by the virtues we possess, such as integrity, honesty, humility and selflessness. Ultimately, once we define our character and work to improve ourselves, we can “replace the mirror with the lens”. We can stop living purely for our own happiness and start creating happiness for others. So the third leg of the stool is, “how do you

want to live your life?” To answer this question, first identify what that driving force behind your motives really is. Is it for yourself or is it for others? And understand that it’s OK if that driving force is all about you right now, as long as it can be about something greater later on. Life isn’t about settling for average – that is selfish; it’s about constantly seeking improvement to be the best we can be so that we can one day help others – that is selfless.

Life is so much bigger than us. It is about growing and learning through our struggles, developing the virtues that define our character, and living for something greater. It is about finding joy in being better. It is about living with purpose. Only then have we truly become ALL WE ARE. Thank you, California FFA, for the opportunity to serve you this past year and for forever enriching my life.

Sam Doty

Vice President Happy? What makes you happy? Is it the feeling of winning first place in a speaking or judging event or the times when someone tells you “hey, you did great today?” Why is it that in today’s society, we tend to define our own individual happiness through awards and accolades? All of us at some time in our lives reach a point where we ask ourselves, “What was it all for?” Well, I think we all can agree that we do the things we do to reach “Ultimate Happiness.” However, is there such a thing? I think this boils down to a deeper question that we must ask ourselves. What is happiness? Is it something we achieve? How do we obtain happiness? When you think of achieving happiness, there are so

many speeches, books and magazines that promise five easy steps, the three secrets of success, or my favorite four ways to find your perfect life.

Let us be honest with ourselves here, these are usually empty promises and over time we all have become pretty cynical about two words “self-help.”

Well, what I have found out during this year of service is that happiness originates from ourselves and it is what we define it as. That finding happiness is like finding yourself; you don’t find happiness, you create it. You choose happiness. Selfactualization is a process of discovering who you are, who you want to be, and paving the way to happiness by doing what brings you the most meaning and contentment to your life over the long run. Now, different people find the meaning of happiness in different things. We may find our calling in public speaking, starting up a business, raising children, practicing medicine or even dancing to awesome German pop bands. The important thing is that we choose our purpose in accordance to our own key values and passions rather than conforming to others’ expectations or stereotypes. It is valuing each and every little thing that is giving to us in our lives. It is just letting loose, stepping outside of our comfort zones and not caring what judgments people may cast. What is happiness?

Well, that is for you to answer, “The Ultimate Gift” is not something physical; this gift is this journey of what we like to call life. The road we travel on is unpredictable, sometimes it’s smooth and sometimes it’s filled with its bumps. But if we’re lucky we find people to travel it with. By creating yourself, giving yourself, and just being yourself, can open up happiness into your life. That my friends, that is “The Ultimate Gift!”

CALIFORNIA FFA • C

State Officers on the Go Continued Mikaela Serafin

Jordan Lippincott

It is time that we start taking a genuine interest in someone else.

To know that vulnerability is a beautiful characteristic to have and not fear. To take advantage of the things that matter and rid ourselves of the ones that don’t; to finally get our priorities in order. To notice what should be done and adjust ourselves for the benefit of others. To see situations for what they are; people in the way they deserve as a human that is no different than you or I. Because the reality is we are all hurting, we are all broken, we are all blind, and yet we all need someone.

In order to truly learn from our gifts and pass them on to others there are three things that we constantly need to do. The first is to constantly be aware of the gifts that we have been given, listing out our received gifts if we need to. Some of the gifts you have already heard about, being the gift of hospitality, time, family, service and motivation. On my list I also have the gifts of companionship from my friends, dedication from my teachers and love from my family. These are gifts I have received, but there are many gifts that I am still realizing I have been given over my life, and my list is constantly growing.

Secretary

We must start meeting the needs of others in the way they need it. What they need is for someone to give, just a little bit more. For someone to care less about themselves and more about others. For someone to take the time to just love them. To be listened to rather than heard; to be spoken to calmly instead of irrationally. For someone just to smile at them as they pass through the halls at school.

What is it going to take for you to give? What is it going to take for you to care? What is it going to take for you to love? What is it going to take for you to do something, anything?

What in the world is it going to take?

We can see it in our world every day a change is needed. I cannot ask you to change the world; I do not have all the answers. But I ask again in a world where we are all blind, what has to change? What will make the difference? What will be the solution?

Who do others need? The answer … is YOU!’

D • CALIFORNIA FFA

Treasurer

The second step is to reflect upon the situation in which we received the gift so that we may learn from our gift receiving in order to then reverse the process and share that gift with those around us. Through my gift of companionship I have learned how to be a true friend; dedication has taught me to put my nose to the grindstone when it matters most; and love from my family has taught me that no matter what, I always have a support system and can help those around me.

The third and final step is to thank the person or people who gave you that gift. Thanking that person could be a verbal gift, but an easy “thank you” is to pass that gift to those around you; utilizing what you have learned to accomplish the true purposes of the person and pass it on.

1 Peter 4:10 states, “Each one of us should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its many forms.” Step up to the plate, realize the opportunities you have been given,

and use the opportunities you have to reach out to others so that they can fulfill their dreams. California FFA, realize what gifts you have and Pass it On.

Kaylyn Schiber Reporter

FFA members, thank you so much for giving me this once in a lifetime opportunity to serve you this past year.

Each and every day I had the chance to spend with you has helped me appreciate who I am and why I’m here. You have given me so many things that not only shown me more about my purpose but have showed me what many of you have to offer. Here are all of the gifts I have received from members and chapters this year: awesome t-shirts, sweatshirts, and bags full of delicious candy all showed me the kindness you show towards others. This metal artwork from Corcoran and this cutting board from Gonzales FFA showed me that they can make beautiful works of art. I now know the Oneals-Minerettes chapter is always there with a helping hand because of this chapter-visit emergency kit they gave to me to ensure we were taken care of on the road. Receiving letters from members sharing with me their goals, stories and passions have all showed me that they are so excited to share what they have to offer to this world. My good friend Richard shared with me that it is a true accomplishment to make a difference is someone’s life. Richard, you have all the abilities in the world to do so.

Kelsey told me she was glad we were friends. Kelsey, you have been a great friend to not only me but so many others and will continue to be.

Ashleigh shared with me her aspiration of making it to the

State Officers on the Go Continued Paralympics with her horses, and from the drive and dedication I have seen in her this is easily possible. All of these things are proof of the beautiful things that every single one of you has to offer. FFA members, if you have found what you have to offer in this world, don’t let anything, especially the words of others, keep you from doing what you love or being who you want to be, and if you haven’t found what you have to offer always remember that each of you is beautiful inside and out. We just need to see a glorious revelation of the inner belief that there’s meaning a purpose to be found in life’s tribulations. Peace and fulfillment are possibilities and there is something positive awaiting us as a result of our prayers and perseverance. We must not let anything keep us from reaching our potential, we must believe in ourselves and persevere through obstacles. Be happy with who you are and who you want to be because in the end your happiness in is the only thing that matters. Therefore, I leave you with this. Your future begins today, in your dreams, your actions and your heart. So dream big, have faith in yourself, be kind, and never, never

forget how much you have to offer to the world. Be you, be beautiful.

Tatiana Prestininzi Sentinel

I have been fortunate enough to be elected into this position, words cannot describe how honored and appreciative I am for being given the experience this year. Because that’s what being a state officer is, it is an experience.

This year has taught me so much about those three simple two-word phrases.

Value yourself – my teammates are truly amazing individuals. They each have brought something different to the table, and has further proven that every individual and their uniqueness has value, including yourself.

Value family – spending a year away from my family and my support has taught me that we don’t always know how long we have with one another, so it is important to make the most of the time we have.

And value experiences – I have had an amazing experience this year from losing an arm-wrestling match in Bret Harte to the late-night conversations on home stays. Every experience whether it is big or small can change someone’s life. Just like you have changed mine.

Over this year you have helped me grow and learn about the person I am.

You have opened my eyes to what else is out there. This has been the experience of a lifetime. With you I have been the passenger, because without being the passenger, this year would have just passed me by.

Words cannot begin to express how honored I am to have served you this year. FFA members, this past year you have redefined the two-word phrases in my life: value yourself, value family and value experiences. And there are only two words appropriate enough to leave with you. California FFA, thank you.

CALIFORNIA FFA • E

2010 State Convention Results Proficiency Awards Agricultural Communications Peter Delle, Oroville – Las Plumas Agricultural Education Elizabeth Tepper, Santa Rosa Agricultural Mechanics Design/Fabrication Matt Fields, Ripon Agricultural Mechanics Energy Systems Jordan Avila, Hanford Agricultural Mechanics Repair/ Maintenance Entrepreneurship Geostan Duffin, Strathmore Agricultural Mechanics Repair/ Maintenance Placement Blake Meneses, Tulare Agricultural Processing Richard Rangel, Laton Agricultural Sales Entrepreneurship Alex Schimke, Grass Valley – Nevada Union Agricultural Sales Placement Meagan Evangelho, Lemoore Agricultural Services Nicholas Badasci, Hanford Beef Production Entrepreneurship Ashley Judge, San Luis Obispo Beef Production Placement Mario Mastelotto, Oroville – Las Plumas Dairy Production Entrepreneurship Preston Fernandes, Tulare Dairy Production Placement Matthew Borges, Madera Diversified Agricultural Production Jeff Mason, Arcata Diversified Crop Production Entrepreneurship Ryan Garcia, Hughson Diversified Horticulture Entrepreneurship Melissa Maultsby, Fallbrook

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Diversified Horticulture Placement Cody Wallace, Fullerton – Sunny Hills

Pomology Production Entrepreneurship William Rose, Shingle Springs – Ponderosa

Diversified Livestock Entrepreneurship Erica Bianchi, Hollister

Pomology Production Placement Derek Veenstra, Escalon

Diversified Livestock Placement Francisco Lopez, Laton Emerging Agricultural Technology Analiese Scrivano, Bakersfield Environmental Science/ Natural Resources Seth Dewey, Hanford Equine Science Entrepreneurship Brittani Green, Chino Equine Science Placement Justine Donnelly, Elk Grove Fiber/Oil Crops Justin Ayerza, Tranquilty

Poultry Production Christian Alexandre, Del Norte Sheep Production Cody Gambril, Oakhurst – Yosemite Small Animal Production and Care Kyle Brem, Strathmore Specialty Animal Production Scott Hammond, Santa Rosa Specialty Crop Production Kurt Parsons, Porterville Swine Production Entrepreneurship Sean Robinson, Lakeside – El Capitan

Floriculture Lovlean Purewal, Caruthers

Swine Production Placement Elizabeth Steele, Grass Valley – Nevada Union

Forage Production Brent Fukushima, Tracy

Turf Grass Management Tanner Obermeyer, Norco

Forest Management/ Products William Havard, Visalia – Golden West

Vegetable Production Entrepreneurship Yesenia Huerta, Lodi

Grain Production Entrepreneurship Morgan Bressler, Colusa Grain Production Placement John Contant, East Nicolaus Home and/or Community Development *Patrick Wilke, Taft Landscape Management Jorge Razo, Salinas – Everett Alvarez Nursery Operations Sergio Cardena, Carpinteria Outdoor Recreation Casey Bastian, Porterville

Vegetable Production Placement Alex Ramirez, Arroyo Grande Veterinary Medicine Lindsey Anderson, Escalon Viticulture Production Entrepreneurship Makenzie Humphrey, Lodi Viticulture Production Placement Kevin Pence, Lodi Wildlife Management Entrepreneurship Mike Kling, Los Molinos Wildlife Management Placement Garrett Roth, Templeton

2010 State Convention Results Proficiency Awards, Continued Chapter Awards Hall of Chapters Chowcilla FFA Chapter Chapter Web Page Award Santa Rosa Chapter National Chapter Award Elk Grove FFA Chapter National Chapter Gold Awards Bakersfield Bakersfield-Foothill Bret Harte Butte Valley Chino-Don Lugo Chowchilla Clarksburg-Delta Davis Escalon

Outstanding Advisor Jessica Weisbart, Buena Park FFA Chapter Star Administrator Award Carmen Routledge, Sonora-La Habra FFA Chapter Star in Ag Placement Kurt Parsons, Porterville FFA Chapter Star in Agbusiness Enrique Hernandez, Madera FFA Chapter Star Farmer Preston Fernandes, Tulare FFA Chapter Star Counselor Award Albert Pando, Chowchilla FFA Chapter Star Reporter Mekayla Coughran, Atwater

Elk Grove Fallbrook Firebaugh Hanford Hemet Imperial Laton Lemoore Littlerock Lodi Nipomo Norco Norte Vista Sacramento-Florin Sacramento-Sheldon San Luis Obispo Santa Maria St. Helena Tulare Woodland Willows Winters

CALIFORNIA FFA • G

2010 State Finals Judging Results

Agricultural Mechanics: Ripon FFA Chapter High Individual: John Esteves, Ripon FFA Chapter Agronomy: Tulelake FFA Chapter High Individual: German Marquez, Tulelake FFA Chapter Best Informed Greenhand: Woodland-Pioneer FFA Chapter High Individual: Emily Miller, Bakersfield-Highland FFA Dairy Cattle Judging: Atwater-Buhach Colony FFA Chapter High Individual: Vincent Migliazzo, Atwater-Buhach Colony FFA Chapter Farm Business Management: Elk Grove FFA Chapter High Individual: Mitchell Harry, Elk Grove FFA Chapter Farm Record Book: Kingsburg FFA Chapter High Individual: Joshua Fridlund, Kingsburg FFA Chapter Floriculture: Hanford FFA Chapter High Individual: Natalie Oelsner, Galt FFA Chapter Forestry: Grass Valley-Nevada UnionFFA Chapter High Individual: Mike Walsh, Grass Valley-Nevada Union FFA Chapter Land Judging: Santa Maria FFA Chapter High Individual: Evanibaldo Lopez, Santa Maria FFA Chapter Light Horse Judging: Atwater FFA Chapter High Individual: Sasha DelMuro, Atwater FFA Chapter

H H •• CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA FFA FFA

2010 State Finals Judging Results, continued

Livestock Judging: Porterville FFA Chapter High Individual: Ashley Judge, San Luis Obispo FFA Chapter Marketing: Merced-Golden Valley FFA Chapter High Individual: Timothy Wells, Merced-Golden Valley FFA Chapter Milk Quality and Dairy Foods: Merced Golden Valley FFA Chapter High Individual: Breanna Martins, Tulare FFA Chapter Nursery/Landscape: Clovis FFA Chapter High Individual: Nicholas Dalton, Clovis FFA Chapter Poultry: Porterville-Monache FFA Chapter High Individual: Caroline Adam, Santa Maria-Righetti FFA Chapter Special Animal Judging: Hanford FFA Chapter High Individual: Sara Hylton, Eureka FFA Chapter Vegetable Crops: Lodi FFA Chapter High Individual: Carolina Garcia, Santa Maria FFA Chapter

CALIFORNIA FFA • I

Outstanding Chapter: Potter Valley FFA

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he small community of Potter Valley is located northeast of Ukiah in Mendocino County. We are the headwaters of the Russian River and our valley benefits from the abundance of water with many pear orchards, vineyards and hay fields. Our valley is surrounded by hills and the only road coming into the valley is also the only road out of the valley. Our town has one grocery store, a post office and three churches. Our school is a community school where preschool through high school is located on one site.

Our high school has about 90 students in grades 9-12, and we currently attend school on a four-days-per-week schedule with no school on Fridays. Our Ag class sizes average from seven to 14 students. We have one full time Ag teacher, Mr. Moore, and he has been teaching here for 22 years. The amazing thing about our school is that 66 percent of our students are involved in the FFA. We have a five-acre school farm, which has a small orchard of fruit trees, and we have a small vineyard with wine grapes and table grapes; we also have a greenhouse for plant propagation. In addition to all this, we have a sheep flock and a school swine project. The farm philosophy is “hands on.“ All the trees and vines are pruned by students, the seeds and gardens are planted by students and all the animals are cared for by students. It is truly a community school – do you know of any other school where the football field is cut for hay and the baseball field is grazed by sheep in the offseason? It happens in Potter Valley!

Besides the farm, our school has a large shop and one of the most popular classes offered is Welding. Students learn to weld and how to work with metal. Students complete projects for the community and also create projects for their families and themselves. Some favorite projects are made out of horse shoes and saw blades. Another popular class is Ag Mechanics. Students in this class build projects on the

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farm and maintain existing projects; they fix pipes, build fences, paint structures and design and construct new structures on the farm. Everything on the farm was built by or is being built by students. Our landscaping class not only maintains our school grounds and keeps our campus looking good but also learns plant identification and landscaping design. They design, grow, plant and irrigate new sections of the school each year in addition to maintaining other landscaped areas. The Intro to Ag class is a freshman class where the broad scope of agriculture is introduced. The Animal Science class takes care of all the animals and keeps them healthy; they administer vaccines, trim hooves, sheer sheep, clip teeth, castrate, dock tails and also study the science of husbandry by using the “learn by doing” philosophy.

Our Potter Valley Chapter organizes many local community based activities. In the fall, we do a Main Street Clean-up.

In the winter, we do a Canned Food Drive and in the spring, we do a Blood Drive. Participation is not mandatory, but everyone gets involved! At the sectional level, our FFA participates in Open/Close ceremonies, public speaking and Greenhand competitions. In addition at the sectional level, we proudly represent the North Coast Region at the COLC and the State Conference in Fresno. Potter Valley is also proud to be part of the Vocational Education system in California.

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Outstanding Chapter Potter Valley FFA, Continued

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1 – Novice FFA Team 2 – The 2009-2010 Officer Team 3 – Lambs from our flock 4 – Student welding during class 5 – Landscaping mowing the lawns 6 – High School FFA studentss 7 – Ag Mechanics building an overhang 8 – Officers at the State Convention 9 – Officer team at COLC CALIFORNIA FFA • K

Chapter Scoops Current and past Sunny Hills FFA advisors (from left to right) Scot Worell, Gary Hunt, Jim Bailey, KC Brown and Mary Kerr.

Sunny Hills FFA Chapter Written by Alex Johnson, Chapter President • Picture by Kelly H. Williamson Fifty years of fun in the sun is what Sunny Hills FFA celebrated on January 9, 2010. The Sunny Hills FFA chapter was founded in Fullerton with only 30 members in 1960. This year, more than 230 members of Sunny Hills FFA worked together to host a 50th Anniversary Celebration. Activities included carnival games, a memory row featuring pictures and news articles from each decade, a petting zoo, awards presentations to past advisors and members, and a Tri-Tip BBQ. Over 300 alumni, students and guests joined in the days festivities. Phone numbers and e-mails of alumni were exchanged and old friendships renewed. Perhaps the best aspect of this event was the opportunity to have generations mix. “You’ll never know what ag will do for your future,” one alumni told a group of current members. It is truly an experience that was once in a lifetime for alumni, as well as current students. Here is to the next 50, Sunny Hills FFA. Salinas FFA Chapter In November, the Salinas FFA chapter took part in the Holiday Parade of Lights. We decorated a float, which we borrowed from a chapter supporter, California Towing. We used over 500 lights and won first place out of 100 entries into the parade.

We had a great turn out of members, including 20 Greenhands, who wanted to take part in the fun. We also sold Glo-Sticks to families, which was a great fundraiser. The Salinas FFA would like to wish everyone a great 2010!

Highland FFA Chapter Written by Rachel Krischner, Chapter Reporter As an FFA Officer it is the most wonderful thing to see 480 kindergarteners learning about agriculture, and it is definitely something you don’t see every day. Well, on October 29 and 30 our chapter hosted our yearly “Fall Harvest” for students at our local elementary schools. “Fall Harvest” is an event that educates young students about the main points of agriculture. Twenty booths ranging from animals to various foods were put on by our very own juniors and seniors, while freshmen and sophomores were the guides. The kids learned the lessons at the booths held on our Ag field and in our Ag classrooms, enriching the experience. This event encompassed our chapter’s theme for this year “Progressing by planting seeds and serving needs” because our chapter had the chance to plant some knowledge and serve our community’s future. This event was a truly inspiring day for the Highland FFA.

L • CALIFORNIA FFA

Chapter Scoops Continued Wildomar-Elsinore Valley FFA Chapter Written by LaBrea Stevenson, Chapter Reporter Our FFA Chapter kicked off winter break by volunteering for one of the eighthour shifts decorating the RFD-TV “FFA Today” float, for the Rose Parade 2010.

Wildomar-Elsinore Valley FFA members (Desi Nordgren, LaBrea Stevenson, Marissa Powers, Joey Barnoski), three alumni (Yvette Malveaux, Omar Vargas, Ben Iverson), along with our advisor, Debbi Clark, our Booster President, Laura Iverson and her daughter-in-law, Melanie, helped put hundreds of flowers, such as carnations, roses, and Gerber daisies on the float. The three alumni were interview for the RFD-TV parade pre-show. This was our chapter’s first time volunteering to help on a Rose Parade float. The float had three giant FFA students surrounded by a variety of agricultural paraphernalia. Although we were tired and had sore fingers, it was fun and worthwhile when we saw the float on January 1 on TV and be able to point out the parts we worked on.

Carpinteria FFA Chapter Written By Michael Buchmiller, Chapter Reporter On March 11 and 12 the Carpinteria Agriculture Science & Technology Academy (ASTA) was one of 15 schools throughout the state to be invited by the College of Agriculture at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, to attend a two-day college preparatory workshop program. The selected students from ASTA participated in the Cal Poly agriculture science and technology program entitled, “Hours at Cal Poly.” Cal Poly student leaders and university professors lead the program that included financial advisement, social activities, applied laboratory workshops, and various other higher education events that allowed the students to experience student life and opportunities at Cal Poly. Some of the laboratory workshops include such topics as chemistry, embryo transfer, propagation of plants (environmental horticulture), dynamic modeling (Ag engineering), soil science, dairy science and food technology.

Atwater FFA Chapter Written by: Mekayla Coughran, Chapter Reporter The Atwater High School Agriculture program was the first high school horticulture program to be certified by the California Association of Nurseries and Garden centers (CANGC). The Atwater FFA Floriculture and Horticulture teams and classes have continued to expand each year with FFA members getting directly involved in various school landscape projects. Students have participated in the selection and ordering of annual and perennial plant plugs and transplanting. Over 10,000 plant plugs were transplanted during the 2009-2010 school year with the plants being sold during the fall and spring plant sales as well as donated to the high school as part of newly created beautification projects.

The “hands-on” approach and enthusiasm towards horticulture has resulted in increased campus pride with the student efforts in creating beautiful flowering landscape gardens all over campus.

Do you have a Chapter Scoop to share?

Send in your chapter scoop today! Ask your Chapter Officer Team or advisor to send in a print quality photo along with 100-150 words describing your chapter’s latest news to Mindy Burris at caffainsert@yahoo.com.

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CA FFA New Horizons Due Dates: February 2011 Material Deadline Date – 11/15/10 April 2011 Material Deadline Date – 1/24/11 August 2011 Material Deadline Date – 5/20/11

CALIFORNIA FFA • M

Chapter Scoops Continued Esparto FFA Chapter Written by Rebecca Markel, Chapter Reporter The Esparto FFA chapter, located northwest of Sacramento, has a long standing tradition that even in these hard economic times never fails to earn a pretty penny. It is known as the Almond Festival Breakfast.

Every year during the Capay Valley Almond Festival the Esparto chapter is up at the crack of dawn setting up and preparing eggs, omelets, pancakes and other foods so that when their gymnasium doors open they are ready to serve to the awaiting crowd. This year the doors opened at 7:30 and closed for clean up at 11:00. With about 50 volunteers they were able to earn $3,000 and sold over 2,000 pancakes. Nearly 700 people came to enjoy this delicious feast. Suffice it to say, the Esparto FFA was not disappointed with the end result of this fundraiser. This event was not only beneficial monetarily though, it was also a fun experience that their members cannot wait to repeat next year!

Las Plumas FFA Written by Peter Delle, Chapter Reporter Las Plumas FFA has experienced some amazing things in the past months. Recently, our chapter had 23 state degree recipients, more than the chapter has ever had in the past. We also had many students recognized for their SAE through a regional proficiency award. Las Plumas FFA won every proficiency area in which we had a student apply. Cody Hamilton is a state finalist in the area of Small Animal Production, Mario Mastilotto is a state finalist in the areas of Diversified Livestock Production and Beef Production, Todd Quigley is a finalist in the area of Ag. Sales, and Peter Delle is a finalist in the area of Agricultural Communications. Las Plumas FFA also was recognized as a superior chapter, and was home to the North Valley section star reporter.

Also at CSU Chico and UC Davis Field Days our chapter’s Forestry team won second high team at UC Davis with the second and fourth high individuals and first at CSU Chico with the first and second place individuals. Our chapter’s Horticulture team also represented us well winning third place at both field days.

Our chapter also won many awards at both of our sectional contest. At the fall contests our Farm Records team placed first, with the first, second and fourth place individuals; we also won most of the subsection awards in this contest. At the spring contest our chapter had the second place winner in job interview and the first and second place winners in Prepared Public Speaking. This was one of the first times our chapter was represented at the Superior Region Spring Contest held at CSU Chico, therefore all of our competitors represented us well. Our Prepared Regional contests refined their speeches by giving them to the Director of the Butte County Fair, a professor at CSU Chico, and by presenting them at a Butte County Cattleman’s meeting.

Las Plumas also won the Butte county Beef Ambassador contest for both the junior and senior divisions. Samantha Airth and Jake Pickering are representing our county and chapter at the state competition.

Last year our chapter theme was “Absolutely Agriculture,” we use various means to implement this theme, including focusing our chapter meetings and banquets after a California commodity and visiting various forms of production ag in our area and on our route to conferences and events.

Foothill FFA Chapter Written by: Alesha Williams, chapter reporter Every semester, the Foothill Agriculture Department has a drive-thru Tri-Tip BBQ in the school’s back parking lot. Students set up four lanes for all the customers to drive through. Each lane always ends up in a little friendly competition of who can serve the fastest or who can serve the most. Students have produced new, creative ways to sell tri-tip and the latest way was to dance on the side of the road in a cow costume with a brightly colored “TRI-TIP” sign. In the end, everyone has fun, the customers enjoy their tasty tri-tip dinner, and our chapter makes money to continue to thrive and grow. This activity has

N • CALIFORNIA FFA

Chapter Scoops Continued helped Foothill FFA not only grow in their fundraising skills, but also has flourished their chapter’s creativity and involvement.

Bakersfield- Frontier FFA Chapter Written by Shannon Barnett, Chapter Reporter Once again Bakersfield-Frontier FFA hosted their annual “Food for America” program. This community service and agriculture literacy event teaches elementary students, ranging from kindergarten to second grade, about agriculture in their community. Through the Ag Leadership class, students organized educational booths that displayed valuable lessons to more than 500 elementary students. The lessons included tangible activities such as branding, ice cream making and a “corn box”. Also, each elementary student was able to take home small souvenirs and facts from each booth, making the day a great success.

In addition to “Food for America” being a community service and agriculture literacy day, it was also an environmental day. Students from the participating schools walked to the Frontier High School campus, promoting the less emissions of greenhouse gases.

Marysville FFA Chapter This year has been very busy for the Marysville FFA! During Christmas break students headed down to Pasadena to work on the RFD-TV Rose Parade float “FFA Today”. While in Southern California we visited the J. Paul Getty Museum, The Autry National Center, The Queen Mary and Disneyland!

On Friday March 19 the Marysville High School Ag Department and FFA Chapter held a lunchtime activity to celebrate National Ag Day. The event took place on the school campus with each agriculture class creating an informational booth used to educate their peers, teachers and administration about the agriculture industry. Booths included peaches, rice, cattle breeds, agriculture history and dairy products. Aside from information the booths also gave out samples of agriculture products, quizzed their friends on each topic and played games like bowling with peaches! We consider this event a success and have already begun planning for next year.

Johansen FFA Chapter Written by Jordan Dajani, Kimberly Arias and Cody Massengill, Johansen FFA Poultry Team The Johansen FFA has now completed two seasons of successful poultry judging! This year, our team competed in six contests throughout the state of California with great results. The first was at the University of California, Davis where we placed fourth high team. After a bit of a rough start, we headed to California State University, Chico. Up there we pulled off a double win. Team A received first high team and team B was second high team. As well, we had first, third, fourth and fifth high individuals. At the Modesto Junior College contest, our team yet again took first. This time we had first, second and fourth high individuals. Our fourth event was the Cosumnus River College contest, where we received first high team and a first, second and third high individual. The season has almost ended, next up, California State University, Fresno, we earned first high team and first, second and fourth high individual.

Then, the one we’ve all been waiting for, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Our team of three seniors and one junior had studied two

CALIFORNIA FFA • O

Chapter Scoops Continued long years for this. We pulled out a second high team as well as a second and third high individual.

Our team of eight has really grown since we first started in January 2009. Currently, we have three sophomores and a junior studying to become the 2011 state champions.

Because of our successes, we’ve also had several students ask to join the team, and we have full confidence that they will follow in our footsteps, as well as exceed our state finals score and become the winners in the state and even the nation.

We were extremely lucky to have the support and encouragement from many people this year. The first was the poultry instructor at Modesto Junior College, Mrs. Marlies Boyd. Without her help, our team would have never learned the foundation and basics of poultry judging. Our second coach, Mr. Ira Brister, was a poultry judger in his younger days just like us.

His knowledge of the contest and poultry science in general was the key to our winnings. And finally our head coach, Mrs. Burris. Without the time and dedication she devoted to our team, we would not have been as successful as we were in the end. Whether it was practicing for long hours after school, or in the hotel right before, Mrs. Burris made sure we were ready and fit for the contest. She even drove us down to Cal Poly in her brand new car!

State finals was a blast this year, partly because of the support of all our friends, family and coaches. But what made it so significant and memorable was the bond our team/family had made together, all nine of us.

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Clean your room, make some money

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FamiLY Farm

Oklahoma FFA member keeps his eyes on the prize – a career in professional rodeo

Amanda Bulger finds artistic inspiration in her agricultural heritage Create a profile. Add friends. Start a group. Voice your opinions. ffa.org/ffanation

Create a profile. Add friends. Start a group. Voice your opinions. ffa.org/ffanation

Ever wanted to see past issues of FFA New Horizons?

Now, you can!

Visit ffa.org/ffanation and click on the FFA New Horizons digital magazine to look through the past two years of magazines!

Each page of the digital magazine can be: Printed in color ■ Embedded in your website …and more!

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E-mailed to your friends ■ Shared to Facebook and Twitter ■

Check it out today!

www.ffa.org/ffanation ffa.org/ffanation

FFA

New Horizons

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