Ag Booster Auction, National Convention

The Fallbrook FFA would like to thank all of those who contributed to the Agriculture Booster Auction Food Booth on October 18. We especially would like to recognize the businesses and individuals in the community that helped make it such a success: El Toro Market, Major Market, Ignacio Martin Landscaping, Sunshine Tropicals, the Ramos Family, the Orozco Family and others.

The money raised at the food booth helped support the students attending the 81st National FFA Convention in Indianapolis October 22-26. The convention theme this year, “Step Up and Stand Out,” taught FFA members the importance of getting involved in leadership roles and making a positive influence on others.

This year, the Fallbrook FFA had two students, Kandace Kooyman and Emily Sherman, receive the American Degree, the highest award given in the National FFA Organization. In addition, Maggie Maratsos and Adriana Ochoa competed in the National Agriscience Research Project Competition, placing sixth and 12th, respectively, in the Environmental Science divisions.

Our chapter also received the National FFA Chapter Award, an award that recognizes FFA chapters that focus on student, chapter and community involvement. Students made memories they will never forget. Activities included visiting the universities of Purdue and Indiana along with various local industry attractions and tours.

I want to thank our advisors, our parents and the community for all their help and support. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 507,763 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,439 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, with Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands included.

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