National Convention Results

By: Charles Parker, California Department of Education, State FFA Advisor

WOW! It was fantastic to see students experiencing, for many, their first in-person conference. National FFA and the city of Indianapolis should be commended on the success of hosting the 94^th Annual National Convention and Expo.

The 2021 event was well attended, with 60,700 registered participants. A BIG thank you to the CDE Staff for their leadership and support. Jackie, Jill, JessaLee, Shay, Hugh, and Greg each had a responsibility at convention that enabled students to have memorable experiences. I am extremely proud of the participation of California and congratulate those that were able to participate in one or more of the events or competitions.

California’s results are:

Agriscience Fair

Animal Systems-2 Savannah Tarrant/Briley McKinney, Wheatland-Bear River – National Finalist

Animal Systems-3 Ella White, St. Helena – National Finalist

Animal Systems-4 Jocelyn Feaster/Anna Scruggs, Elk Grove – National Finalist

Animal Systems-5 Angela Fernandes, Turlock – National Finalist

Animal Systems-6 Catherine Peterson/Gloria Martinez Mota, Tracy-Merrill West – National Finalist

Enviro Sci Systems-1 Travis White, Wheatland-Bear River – National Finalist

Enviro Sci Systems-3 Brennan Elszy, Hanford – National Winner

Enviro Sci Systems-5 Brenna Pauls, St. Helena – Bronze

Enviro Sci Systems-6 Kaylee Moura/Anahi Almanza, St. Helena – National Finalist

Food Prod Systems-1 Alexis Phillips, Wheatland-Bear River – National Finalist

Food Prod Systems-3 Mikayla Cortez, Hanford – National Finalist

Food Prod Systems-5 Brendan Latronica, Elk Grove – National Finalist

Food Prod Systems-6 Avery Coelho/Emma Coelho, Tulare – National Finalist

Plant Systems-1 Nathaniel Brockhoff, Wheatland-Bear River – National Finalist

Plant Systems-3 Madeline Sullivan, St. Helena – National Finalist

Plant Systems-4 Gannon Strahm/Monserath Felix, Holtville – Bronze

Plant Systems-5 Ashtyn Taylor, St. Helena – National Finalist

Plant Systems-6 Marilyn Mendoza/Jeremy Freitas, Exeter – National Finalist

Power Systems-2 Conrad Burrow/Wyatt Hart, Wheatland-Bear River – National Finalist

Power Systems-3 Paige Camacho, O’Neals-Minarets – National Finalist

Power Systems-4 Jasmine Castro/Daniel Ledezma-Zarate, Holtville – Bronze

Power Systems-5 Brandon Forgie, St. Helena – National Finalist

Social Systems-2 Alexa Franklin/Chasidy Sills, Wheatland-Bear River – National Finalist

Social Systems-3 Talia Ricci, St. Helena – National Finalist

Social Systems-4 Emily Pan/Talia Zundel, San Luis Obispo – National Winner

Social Systems-5 Olivia Smith, St. Helena – National Finalist

Social Systems-6 Ivan Robledo/Antonio Santoyo, St. Helena – National Finalist

American Degree Recipients

Hailey Aceves, Visalia-Golden West

Valeria Acosta, Woodland

Rafael Acosta III, Shafter

Travis Affonso, Linden

Butch Aguiar, Petaluma

Hunter Ahrens, O’Neals-Minarets

Camille Alamot, Gustine

Ricardo Alberto, King City

Bailey Alexander, Palo Cedro-Foothill

Garrett Alford, O’Neals-Minarets

Mitchell Almind, Forestville-El Molino

Brittany Alvarez, Firebaugh

Crystal Alvarez, Marysville

Jesus Amador, Gonzales

Alissa Amaral, Tulare

Ashlee Anderson, Turlock

Ana Andrade, Porterville-Monache

Austin Andres, Paso Robles

Natalie Anselmo, O’Neals-Minarets

Kylie Applemun, Elk Grove

Tristan Aranda, Bakersfield-North

Adasyn Arechiga, Visalia-Golden West

Sergio Arellano, Madera

Alondra Arias, Santa Maria

Nicole Arias, Julian

Katelyn Arieas, Riverdale

Mia Arisman, Galt

Jose Armenta, King City

Mackenzie Arnold, Mariposa

Audrey Arntz, Petaluma

Lizbeth Arroyo, Santa Maria

Carlee Austin, Sebastopol-Analy

Paige Autry, Paso Robles

Gerardo Avalos, Turlock

Salvador Avalos-Estrada, Merced-Golden Valley

Jonathan Avila, Hanford

Makayla Avila, Visalia-El Diamante

Tyler Avila, Porterville

Christy Awalt, Paso Robles

Christopher Ayala, Merced-Golden Valley

Gianna Azevedo, Gustine

Caleb Bairos, Oakdale

Hailey Baldwin, Escondido

Carlos Ballesteros, Madera

Bailey Banducci, Bakersfield-Independence

Cassidie Banish, Paso Robles

Brooke Barredo, Santa Maria-Righetti

America Barros, Calipatria

Tavin Barry, Oakdale

Cody Bartholomew, Oakdale

Dilan Basila, O’Neals-Minarets

Nicole Batezell, Oakdale

Dominic Batteate, Oakdale

Alexys Bautista, St Helena

Jonah Beals, Hughson

Blake Beck, Galt

Seraphina Bedoyan, Clovis-Clovis East

Mariah Berbena, Turlock-Pitman

Bryan Berczynski, Visalia-VTEC

Oceana Berumen, Bakersfield-Foothill

Jason Besanceney, Fortuna

Bryson Bettencourt, Modesto-Thomas Downey

Nathan Bettencourt, Exeter

Sophia Bianchi, Sebastopol-Analy

Hailey Bjerknes, Valley Center

Emma Blair, Elk Grove-Pleasant Grove

Sterling Blom, Modesto

Austin Blomquist, Hanford

Brileigh Blosser, Healdsburg

Stella Boller, San Luis Obispo

Darren Borba, Gustine

Carolyn Boster, Turlock-Pitman

Austin Boteilho, Salinas-Everett Alvarez

Christopher Bowe, O’Neals-Minarets

Garrett Bowe, O’Neals-Minarets

Ashley Bowman, Clovis-Clovis East

Katherine Boynton, Morgan Hill-Live Oak

Jeremy Bradley, Napa-Vintage

Justin Bradley, Santa Maria

Michael Bray, Atwater

Brianna Brazil, Ferndale

Dalton Breazeale, Oakdale

Ethan Breese, Paso Robles

Mallory Brenner, Ripon

Belinda Brookins, Weaverville-Trinity

Abigayle Brown, Elk Grove-Pleasant Grove

Jacob Brown, Paso Robles

Leea Brown, Tulelake

Sterling Brown, Lakeside-El Capitan

Isis Brownlow, Shafter

Sara Burch, Oakdale

Paul Burcham, Firebaugh

Mark Bush, Blythe-Palo Verde

Joshua Caballero, King City

Miguel Cachu, Dorris-Butte Valley

Colton Calbreath, Hughson

Juan Camacho, Santa Maria

Mackenzie Camacho, O’Neals-Minarets

Samantha Campbell, Sutter

Thomas Campbell, Ripon

Joel Campos, King City

Carmen Cantu, Madera

Crystal Carbajal, Nipomo

Omar Carbajal, King City

Julia Cardin, Chico

Mary Carli, Clarksburg-Delta

Bailey Caron, Sebastopol-Analy

Cody Carr, Paso Robles

Melanie Carroll, Salinas

McCoy Castanos, Lakeside-El Capitan

Jose Castillo, Merced-Golden Valley

Lluvia Castillo, Dorris-Butte Valley

Naomi Castro, Hollister-San Benito

Samantha Caughie, Sebastopol-Analy

Tayler Chamberlain, Fortuna

Jordyn Chance, Livingston

Grace Chandless, Arroyo Grande

Harrison Chang, Newman-Orestimba

Justin Chapman, Willows

Dulce Chavez, King City

Joseph Chavez, Madera

Lucas Cheda, Petaluma

Casey Chicoine, Middletown

Kellie Clark, Bakersfield-Frontier

Allie Clemons, Sebastopol-Analy

Boyd Clifton, King City

Dallas Climer, Turlock-Pitman

Emileigh Clinton, Salinas

Audrey Cockrell, Sanger

Blain Cole, Denair

Stephen Cole, Napa-Vintage

Madisen Collier, Sebastopol-Analy

Jaclynn Collins, Newman-Orestimba

Garrett Colvin, Bakersfield-Foothill

CorriAnne Cook, Paso Robles

Michael Copus, Merced-Golden Valley

Alexa Cordoza, Merced-Golden Valley

Matthew Corona, La Habra-Sonora

Camila Cortes Padilla, Santa Maria-Righetti

Jacqueline Cortez, Madera

Raelyn Cortez, Santa Maria-Righetti

Clay Costa, Tulare

Joshua Crain, Bakersfield-Independence

Katie Crawshaw, Kingsburg

Giovanna Crayton, Hughson

Ryan Cromer, Jackson-Argonaut

Darlene Cuellar, Dinuba

Eduardo Cueva, Bakersfield-Foothill

Julienne Damm, Arroyo Grande

Levi Davis, Porterville

Brooke Day, Woodland-Pioneer

Karina Dayka, Carpinteria

Jackson De Jager, Merced-Stone Ridge Christian

Fallon Decious, Vacaville

Linzee DeGraff, Marysville

Aunika Del Real, Clovis-Clovis East

Marcus Delgadillo, Merced-Golden Valley

Mackenzie Demmers, Firebaugh

Nayeli Deniz, King City

Camille Descamps, San Luis Obispo

Jackson Dias, Turlock

Adan Diaz, Clovis-Clovis East

Ricardo Diaz, Dinuba

Jesus Diaz Aguilera, Dinuba

Aileen Diaz Flores, Shafter

Nicole Diez, Paso Robles

Maria Dominguez Argueta, Greenfield

Josephine Doolittle, Anderson

Mark Doss, Nipomo

Timothy Drury, Red Bluff

Nicholas Duft, Nipomo

Lauren Dutra, Hanford

Anne Dykstra, Visalia-El Diamante

Garrett Earl, Paso Robles

Justin Earl, Paso Robles

Joseph Echarte, Esparto

Austin Edwards, Galt

Owen Ellis, O’Neals-Minarets

Trevor Enriquez, Willows

Alejandra Enriquez-Aquino, Santa Rosa-Elsie Allen

Kellen Ernst, Santa Maria-Righetti

Luke Ervin, Galt

Alex Esau, Durham

Ivanna Estrella, El Centro-Southwest

Jared Evangelho, Lemoore

Ty Evans, San Luis Obispo

Sarah Fee, Loyalton

Jordan Fenton, Loomis-Del Oro

Jacob Fernandes, Tulare

Madelyn Fernandes, Tulare

Dusty Flack, Julian

Colby Flatt, Atwater

Jordan Fletcher, Clovis-Clovis East

Madison Flick, Nipomo

Jared Flores Retijin, Shafter

Jade Forero, Pine Valley-Mt. Empire

Shelby Fosdick, Sonora

Megan Fragasso, San Luis Obispo

Travis Franceschi, Tomales

Caleb Freeman, Bakersfield-Foothill

Tyler Furtado, Oakdale

Abel Garcia, Santa Maria-Pioneer Valley

Aleah Garcia, Santa Maria

Brandi Garcia, Kingsburg

Fernando Garcia, Greenfield

Leslie Garcia, Dinuba

Megan Garcia, Merced-Golden Valley

Richard Garcia, Modesto

Jose Garcia Jr., Laton

Jocelyn Garcia Pena, King City

Elisa Garnsey, San Luis Obispo

Jasmine Garza, Bakersfield-Independence

Junior Gaytan Mesinas, Exeter

Makenna Gehrett, Sebastopol-Analy

Colton Geiger, Willows

Amazing Geissler, Atwater-Buhach Colony

Giulia Ghimenti, Fowler

Kimberly Gibbons, Bakersfield-Independence

Rachael Gilmore, Pine Valley-Mt. Empire

James Glaser, Sebastopol-Analy

Sarah Glenn, Camarillo

Lauren Glomson, Grass Valley-Bear River

Kyle Gomes, Chowchilla

Beverly Goncalves, Chowchilla

Joleigh Gonella, Merced-Golden Valley

Reese Gonsalves, Modesto

Amy Gonzalez, Tulelake

Emily Gonzalez, Bakersfield-Highland

Victoria Gonzalez, Clarksburg-Delta

Regan Goodwin, Bakersfield-Independence

Chantz Granlees, Lodi

Brock Griffin, Loyalton

Kirsten Grissom, Chowchilla

Emely Guerra, Forestville-El Molino

Maximus Guerra, Santa Maria-Righetti

Karly Guerrero, Kingsburg

Edith Guijon, Woodlake

Alejandro Gutierrez, Petaluma

Arianna Gutierrez, Ceres-Central Valley

Cristian Gutierrez, Sacramento-Florin

Roman Gutierrez, Santa Maria

Clayton Guy, Pine Valley-Mt. Empire

Olivia Guyer, Turlock

Carlos Guzman, Nipomo

Eduardo Guzman, Le Grand

Heidi Guzman, Firebaugh

Victor Guzman, Middletown

Emme Haas, Morro Bay

Joshua Hack, Turlock

Wilhelm Hack, Turlock

Carissa Hall, Reedley-Immanuel

Bradley Handel, Lodi-Tokay

Olivia Hanna, Etna

Caden Hanson, Lodi

Ryan Haringa, Turlock

Mariah Harper, Hemet

Hannah Harrigan, Arroyo Grande

Emma Harris, Sebastopol-Analy

Aubrie Hartwig, Sanger

Ashton Headley, King City

Kyras Headley, King City

Cameron Heinitz, Lodi-Tokay

Austin Helms, Bakersfield-Highland

Bethany Helton, Bakersfield-North

Robert Henkens, Elk Grove-Pleasant Grove

Corbin Hennesay, Clovis-Clovis East

Grace Herman, Hanford

Efrain Hernandez, Firebaugh

Nicolas Herrera, Reedley

Abigail Hester, Holtville

Josh Heupel, Merced-Golden Valley

Conner Hiatt, Madera-Liberty

Dean Hill, Templeton

Mackenzie Hindman, Sutter Creek-Amador

Anthony Hipolito Iniguez, Shafter

Madeline Holmes, Fortuna

Jordan Hooker, Merced-Stone Ridge Christian

Katherine Horal, Merced-Golden Valley

Brianna Hughes, Bakersfield-Highland

Danielle Hutchison, Madera-Liberty

Caeley Jackson, Sutter

Dillon Jackson, Kingsburg

Reid Jacobs, Lemoore

Aaron Jaramillo, Reedley

Kevin Jess, San Luis Obispo

Rocio Jimenez Hernandez, Santa Rosa

Colby Jobinger, O’Neals-Minarets

Kayla Johnson, Bakersfield-Frontier

Kandyce Johnston, El Centro-Southwest

Allyson Jones, Lakeside-El Capitan

Mickala Jones, Oakdale

Jocelyne Juarez, Wasco

Mason Justice, Etna

Sheaden Kadle, Fortuna

Kayden Keillor, Shafter

Maddison Kerns, Auburn-Placer

Sheridan Knight, Bakersfield-Frontier

Sophia Kolb, Arroyo Grande

Chloe Koll, Sutter Creek-Amador

Madison Kroeker, Merced-Golden Valley

Ryann Kulbeth, Tranquillity

Macie Kulikov, Clovis-Clovis East

Alyssa Lang, Exeter

Allison Layne, Modesto

Audrey Legaspi, Salinas-Everett Alvarez

Walter Lemons, Oakdale

Carolina Lemus, Santa Maria-Righetti

Jacob Lepori, Sebastopol-Analy

Ashley Lewis, Templeton

Shay Liebig, Middletown

Annika Lightfoot, Turlock

Sarah Lima, Hollister-San Benito

Kaitlynn Linderholm, O’Neals-Minarets

Justyne Lindley, Wheatland

Bailey Lopez, Le Grand

Cristian Lopez, Porterville

Eduardo Lopez, Visalia-Mt. Whitney

Isaac Lopez, Shandon

Joshua Lopez, Santa Maria-Righetti

Nick Lopez, Wasco

Rosario Lopez, Shafter

Chloe Luna, Turlock

Alexis Lupton, Galt-Liberty Ranch

Brentan Luster, Ferndale

Tamara Macias, King City

Hannah Madole, Napa-Vintage

Ryan Majarian, Visalia-Mt. Whitney

Bailey Malone, Atwater-Buhach Colony

Morgan Malone, Atwater-Buhach Colony

Austin Maners, Sebastopol-Analy

William Marchy, Turlock

Bella Marden, San Luis Obispo

Kasin Martin, Escondido

Kimberly Martin, Woodland

Edwin Martinez, Firebaugh

Hector Martinez, Woodland

Nicolas Martinez, King City

Julia Martinez Garcia, Santa Maria

Jaylene Martinez-Lopez, King City

Kelly Mathena, Eureka

Katie Matsumoto, Elk Grove-Pleasant Grove

Macauley McDaniel, Bakersfield-Foothill

Sarah McGary, Brentwood-Liberty

Elise McKinsey, Valley Center

Gauge McMullen, Atwater-Buhach Colony

Laila Medina, King City

Kyndle Mehlhaff, Jackson-Argonaut

Victor Mejia, Atwater

Dylan Mello, Galt

Jacob Mendes, Lemoore

Dakota Mendonca, Tulare

Joseph Mendonca, Merced-Golden Valley

Lindsy Mendoza-Ortiz, Nipomo

Mary Merritt, Clovis-Clovis East

Riley Merten, Holtville

Alondra Meza, Bishop

Tab Miller, Nipomo

Blaine Mills, Santa Rosa-Elsie Allen

Cheyanne Mills, Middletown

Madison Mills, El Centro-Southwest

Stephanie Mills, Red Bluff

Kayla Minetti, Santa Maria-Righetti

Morgan Mirau, Nipomo

Trew Mitchell, Paso Robles

Gabrielle Mix, Le Grand

Oracio Montes, Reedley

Jenna Moore, Nipomo

Adam Morales, Nipomo

Andrew Morales, Wasco

Eduardo Morales, Santa Maria-Pioneer Valley

Julian Morato, Madera

Blake Morgan, Oakdale

Daniel Murray, Bakersfield-North

Cole Nally, Arroyo Grande

Beatriz Nava, King City

Teagan Neff, Arroyo Grande

Jerrod Nickerson, Atwater

Halee Nickols, Ferndale

Tayler Niesen, Sutter

Alexis Nighman, La Habra-Sonora

Moises Novoa Diaz, Santa Maria-Pioneer Valley

Alfred Nunes, Turlock

Allison Nunes, Turlock

Trey Nunes, Turlock

Riley O’Connor, San Luis Obispo

Jack Odell, Napa-Vintage

Angel Orozco, Santa Maria

Maico Ortiz-Hinojosa, Galt

Layton Lee Oswald, Oakdale

Justin Paboojian, Reedley-Immanuel

Jensen Pacheco, Le Grand

Sierra Pafford, Madera-Liberty

Ivalinn Palmer, Clovis-Clovis East

Jodie Parolini, Turlock

Gabriel Parra, McFarland

Christoph Paul, Grass Valley-Bear River

Autumn Pecarovich, O’Neals-Minarets

Tori Pedersen, Escondido

Ervin Pena, King City

Belen Perez, Santa Maria

Miguel Perez Esparza, Santa Maria-Pioneer Vly

Colby Perry, Tollhouse-Sierra

Brysan Pesenti, Paso Robles

Jesslyn Petersen, Merced-Golden Valley

Mary Pat Peterson, Chico-CORE Butte Charter

Haley Piek, Reedley-Immanuel

Clay Pierce, Blythe-Palo Verde

Ashlee Pike, Tracy-Delta Charter

Joseph Pinheiro, Tulare

Sebastian Pinon, Santa Maria-Pioneer Valley

Jasmine Plascencia, Camarillo

Sophie Plass, Tulelake

Cierra Polhemus, Oakdale

Olivia Poncia, Petaluma

Hannah Pope, Santa Maria-Righetti

Madison Potts, Forestville-El Molino

Kate Price, Santa Rosa

Arie Prins, Tulare

Anthony Prudente, Madera

Natasha Pyke, Morgan Hill-Live Oak

Eric Quezada Ridge, Nipomo

Teddy Ragsdale, Merced-Golden Valley

Alexandria Ramirez, Hollister-San Benito

Garrett Ramirez, Clovis-Clovis East

Osvaldo Ramirez Avila, Nipomo

Jonathan Rangel Diaz, Reedley

Kyerstan Raymond, Grass Valley-Nevada Union

Ethan Reece, Galt

Jordan Reich, Ripon

Madison Reimer, Bakersfield-Independence

Hailee Revalee, Morro Bay

Saul Reyes, Hanford

Michael Rezendes, O’Neals-Minarets

Cole Richard, Paso Robles

Joseph Richard, Loyalton

Willem Ridder, Healdsburg

Trevor Riley, Porterville

Maria Rios, Santa Maria

Stefhany Rios, St Helena

Riley Ritchie, Arroyo Grande

Eroz Rivas, Santa Maria-Pioneer Valley

Megan Robbins, Exeter

Sonora Robertson, Santa Maria-Righetti

Landon Rocha, Hilmar

Andrea Rodriguez, King City

Angelica Rodriguez, Santa Maria-Righetti

Francisco Rodriguez, Caruthers

Jessica Rodriguez, Watsonville

Jonathan Rodriguez, Templeton

Andrea Rojas-Navarro, Ceres-Central Valley

Siena Rollin, Riverdale

Ariadna Romero, Santa Maria

Ashley Romero, King City

Mary Rosa, Visalia-El Diamante

Leobardo Rosas, Gonzales

Sujhey Rosas, Pine Valley-Mt. Empire

Felix Ross, Dorris-Butte Valley

Emily Ruiz, Camarillo

Kate Ruiz, Santa Paula

Juan Ruiz-Amador, Gonzales

Cody Russell, Oakdale

Mirella Saasta, El Centro-Southwest

Luis Sainz, Gonzales

Savannah Salters, Bakersfield-Frontier

Emily Sampson, Lincoln

Benjamin Sanchez, Bakersfield-Foothill

Joseph Sandoval, Reedley

Ian Santoro, Madera-Liberty

Jonathan Santos, Santa Maria

Christopher Santos Aguilar, King City

Efren Santos-Garcia, Santa Maria

Delaney Sarantopulos, Elk Grove

Emily Sarantopulos, Elk Grove

Kendall Savage, Paso Robles

Shelbi Scantlin, Templeton

Regina Schneider, Jackson-Argonaut

Jayanna Scott, Sonora

Shantel Shaw, Sebastopol-Analy

Jesse Shelbourne, Bakersfield

Kassidy Sheldon, Hanford

Michaela Shong, Morro Bay

Alyce Silva, Turlock

Aspen Silva, Modesto

Jacob Silva, Turlock

Jordyn Silva, Turlock

Tatyn Silva, Oakdale

Colton Silveira, Hilmar

Shantille Simonson, Nipomo

Madilyn Slate, Merced-Golden Valley

Kathleen Smircich, Napa-Vintage

Kylie Smith, Ripon

Tayler Smith, Bakersfield-Independence

Jerry Snow, Pine Valley-Mt. Empire

Taylor Sollecito, Salinas

Ashleigh Sorensen, Reedley-Immanuel

Erika Sos, Chico

Amy Springer, Nicolaus-East Nicolaus

Lester Squier, Willows

Reiley Stenberg, O’Neals-Minarets

Ben Stevens, Bakersfield-Highland

Taylor Stewart, Bakersfield-Frontier

Casey Strupp, Paso Robles

Amy Suarez, Dos Palos

Luke Sullivan, Lone Pine

Jeslyn Svejda, Orland

Amy Swall, Tulare

Jake Swift, Mariposa

Kassidy Talbot, Woodland-Woodland Christian

Karlie Tate, Bakersfield-North

Dustin Tavares, Oakdale

Kimber Tavares, Oakdale

Riley Taylor, Weaverville-Trinity

William Taylor, King City

Esteban Tellez-Hernandez, Merced-Golden Vly

Austin Terra, Escalon

Brianna Thompson, Nipomo

Jared Thompson, Lemoore

Emma Thorpe, Lakeside-El Capitan

Alyssa Thunen, Sutter

Matthew Thunen, Sutter

Malei Tipton, El Centro-Southwest

Jakob Titus, Sutter

Jonathan Toledo, King City

John Toste, Gustine

Trevor Trimble, O’Neals-Minarets

Ivan Trujillo, Greenfield

Nathaniel Tsesmilles-Castro, Paso Robles

Rebecca Tsosie, Lone Pine

Hayley Tuttle, Bakersfield-Frontier

John Uptergrove, Phelan-Serrano

Rachel Utter, Valley Center

Cassandra Valdez, Merced

Olivia Valdez, Clovis-Clovis East

Isabel Valle, Santa Paula

Malcolm Van Bebber, Merced-Golden Valley

Abigail van Klaveren, Modesto

Kylie Van Vleck, Eureka

John Van Vliet, Ripon-Ripon Christian

Clarissa Vander Poel, Shafter

Ariel Vander Woude, Ripon-Ripon Christian

Cassie Varley, Bakersfield-North

Nicholas Vasquez, Santa Maria-Pioneer Valley

Mixtly Vega, Ceres-Central Valley

Citlalli Veloz, Santa Paula

Joebani Ventura, Laton

Sophia Vercellotti, Dorris-Butte Valley

Grace Verdegaal, Oakdale

Irvin Vergara, King City

Davis Vieira, Turlock

Paige Vieira, Turlock-Turlock Christian

Angel Villagomez, Greenfield

Luis Villanueva-Almaraz, King City

Christian Villanueva-Esquivel, Merced-Golden Vly

Cheyenne Vitale, Modesto-Gregori

David Vitoria, Galt

Allison Wahlig, Nipomo

Lauren Walker, Palo Cedro-Foothill

JoEllen Wall, Templeton

Amanda Waller, Middletown

Wyatt Ward, Kingsburg

Hailie Warnock, O’Neals-Minarets

Dimitri Wasem, Oakhurst-Yosemite

Kassidy Watkins, Sebastopol-Analy

Ashley Waymire, Visalia-Redwood

Matt Weatherwax, Visalia-Golden West

Jessica Welcher, Templeton

Emily White, Reedley

Zachery Whitely, Boonville-Anderson Valley

Hannah Wilcocks, Bakersfield-Frontier

Morgan Wilke, Bakersfield

Madison Winans, Arbuckle-Pierce

Robert Yebra, Gonzales

Calvin Young, Sebastopol-Analy

Taylor Young, San Luis Obispo

Justin Zack, Atascadero

Kayla Zalesny, Nipomo

Paola Zarate-Camacho, Santa Maria-Pioneer Vly

Angelina Zavala, Turlock

Abigail Ziesak, Eureka

Alyssa Zolman, La Habra-Sonora

American Stars

Star Farmer Josh Heupel, Merced-Golden Valley – National Finalist

Star in Agriscience Mackenzie Camacho, O’Neals-Minarets – National Finalist

Career/Leadership Development Events

Ag Communications Grass Valley-Bear River – 9^th Place

Macey Fowler – 4^th Place Bailey Ham – Silver

Connor McGehee – Silver Alyssa Downes – Bronze

Ag Issues Tulare – National Champions

Emma Coelho Avery Coelho

Madeline Lew Aiden Champagne

Duncan Champagne

Ag Sales Merced-Golden Valley – 5^th Place

Amethyst Lumley – 9^th Place Cameron Ivy – Gold

Ashley Sandlin – Gold Kindall Grisham – Silver

Ag Mechanics Visalia-Golden West – Silver

Wyatt Benson – Gold Alejandro DeAvila – Silver

Ernest Murphy – Silver Samuel Pratt – Silver

Agronomy Tulelake – 4^th Place

Tristan Walker – 6^th Place Johaned Aguilar – Gold

Analessa Greenwood – Gold Yuleidy Gonzalez – Silver

Conduct of Meetings Mariposa – Bronze

Creed Recitation Cottonwood-West Valley – 3^rd Place – Elissa Diaz

Dairy Cattle Chowchilla – 7^th Place

Rachel Mancebo – 5^th Zoe Bitter – Gold

Logan Silveira – Gold Sydney Alexander – Silver

Employability Skills Madera – Silver – Lesly Madriz

Environmental Sciences Foresthill – 3^rd Place

Clay Cantrell – 2^nd Kelly Cantrell – Gold

David Reinhart – Gold Sloan Farinha – Silver

Extemporaneous Atwater-Buhach Colony – 2^nd Place – Isabelle Dillsaver

Farm Business Atwater – Silver

Daniel Lopez – Gold Elizabeth Ayala – Silver

Tristan Carday – Silver Celeste Shargoy – Silver

Floriculture Gridley – Silver

Madeline Hamman – Gold Kennison Cota – Silver

Becca Hamman – Silver Hayley Triplett – Silver

Food Science Elk Grove-Pleasant Grove – Bronze

Anna Bibby – Silver Lindsey Dillon – Bronze

Mackenzi Potter – Bronze Maddie Tellesen – Bronze

Forestry Susanville-Lassen – 10^th Place

Aden Adams – Gold Ethan German – Gold

Morgan Merrill – Silver Ethan Shaw – Silver

Horse Evaluation Clovis – 2^nd Place

Ashlin Torbet – 2^nd Taylor Brown – Gold

Sydney Loucks – Gold Heather Prater – Gold

Livestock Evaluation Oakdale – National Champions

Morgan Gravatt – 4^th Nicole Carter – 8^th

Jaiden Grivette – Gold Devon Pastor-Guzman – Gold

Marketing Plan Merced-El Capitan – National Champions

Autumn Miller Nikolas Williams

Makayla Ward

Meats Evaluation Woodlake – 7^th Place

Jessica Henderson – Gold Reagan Henderson – Gold

Paige Perez – Gold Izaiah Benavides – Silver

Milk Quality Atwater – 5^th Place

Simarjot Gandhake – Gold Elisabeth Garner – Gold

Nandini Patel – Gold Emma Garcia – Silver

Nursery Operations Dinuba – 7^th Place

Yvonne Cortez – Gold Jesus Gutierrez – Gold

Victor Martinez – Gold Zachari Nelson – Silver

Parliamentary Procedure Galt-Liberty Ranch – National Champions

Braden Crosson Luke Powers

Teddy Lopez Trevor Schmiedt

Itzel Zavala Trevor Denier

Poultry Judging Santa Maria-Righetti – Silver

Kiana Brown – Gold Anabel Guerrero – Silver

Enrique Hernandez – Silver Audrey Herrera – Silver

Prepared Speaking Elk Grove – Silver – Samantha Albiani

Veterinary Science Madera – National Champions

Elena Robles – 1^st Kassard Hernandez – 2^nd

Mercedes Gonzales – 3^rd Marilyn Bautista – Gold

Honorary American Degree Recipients

Brett Camacho, Madera, Star Finalist Parent

Tammy Camacho, Madera, Star Finalist Parent

Jessica Fernandes, Buena Park, FFA Advisor

Alex Flores, Santa Paula, FFA Advisor

Brent George, Madera, FFA Advisor

Sarah Herdell, St. Helena, FFA Advisor

Jackie Heupel, LeGrand, Star Finalist Parent

Scott Heupel, LeGrand, Star Finalist Parent

Karla Larios, Holtville, National Officer Parent

Lori Marchy, Ceres, Modesto Junior College

Deanna Morton, Shandon, FFA Advisor

National Band, Chorus and Talent

Callie Boles, Poway (Band)

Damon Gallegos, Fallbrook (Chorus)

Phillip Miller, Merced-El Capitan (Band)

National Chapter

Bakersfield-Highland – Three Star

Bakersfield-Foothill – Two Star

Clarksburg-Delta – Two Star

Coalinga – Two Star

Exeter – Three Star

Firebaugh – Three Star

Hanford – Three Star

Imperial – Two Star

Kerman – One Star

Livingston – Three Star

Lone Pine – Three Star

Madera – Three Star

Merced – Two Star

Norco – Two Star

Porterville-Monache – Three Star

Sacramento-Florin – One Star

Sacramento-Sheldon – Two Star

Salinas-North Salinas – Two Star

Woodland – Two Star

National Delegates

Iyali Aguirre, Kelseyville

Isabella Albiani, Elk Grove

Andrew Angulo, El Centro-Southwest

Mia Arisman, Galt

Daniela Bastidas, El Centro-Southwest

Elizabeth Beebe, Santa Maria-Pioneer Valley

Jenna Bracy, Hanford

Shane Brennan, Templeton

Davis Bryant, Mariposa

Falon Butcher, Bakersfield-Christian

Marc Cabeliza, Santa Maria-Pioneer Valley

Princesa Ceballos, Porterville-Monache

Julianna Contreras, Merced-El Capitan

Kamille Dean, Merced-Golden Valley

Reagan Denny, Yuba City

Megan Donaldson, Tomales

Jake Dowell, O’Neals-Minarets

Austin Flood, Cottonwood-West Valley

Colby Galassi, Watsonville

Abelino Garza II, Bakersfield-Independence

Reese Gonsalves, Modesto

Reena Grewal, Livingston

Paul Horta Castaneda, McArthur-Fall River

Abigale Jacobsen, Elk Grove

Kaylen Jaime, Elk Grove-Pleasant Grove

Brian Kavanagh, Temecula- St. Jeanne

Hannah Kunkle, Apple Valley

Jade Lassaga, Marysville

Emily Lizarraga, Bakersfield-Independence

Omar Lopez, Madera

Rachel Lyman, Sutter Creek-Amador

Lesly Madriz Alcaraz, Madera

Hadynn McCormick, Turlock

Morgan Oliveira, Hilmar

Melanie Orozco Gonzalez, Holtville

Annie Petersen, Healdsburg

Isabella Ribeiro, Tulare

Micaiah Richison, Oakdale

Sophie Rodriguez, Menifee-Heritage

Sierra Short, Salinas-Everett Alvarez

Thomas Simas, Esparto

Taylor Sollecito, Salinas

Makena Stanisai, Temecula- St. Jeanne

Brayton Stenberg, O’Neals-Minarets

Mallory Sutherland, Bakersfield-Frontier

Emma Thorpe, Lakeside-El Capitan

Gillian Villa, Santa Maria-Pioneer Valley

Neveya Villa. Atwater

Emily Winningham, Ukiah

National Nominating Committee

Dean Hill, Templeton, Chair

National Officer Candidate

Maico Ortiz, Galt

Proficiency Awards

Ag Communications Brianna Hafey, Wildomar-Elsinore – National Finalist

Ag Education Lesly Madriz, Madera – Gold

Ag Mech Design/Fab Ervin Pena, King City – Gold

Ag Mech Repair Entrep Adrian Hurtado, Merced-El Capitan – Gold

Ag Mech Repair Place Kevin Hofstee, Tulare – Silver

Ag Processing Francisco Rocha, El Centro-Southwest – National Finalist

Ag Sales Placement Emily Wise, Bakersfield Christian – National Winner

Ag Services Hanna Scully, Kelseyville – Participant

Ag Research Animal Danae Westra, Visalia-Central Valley Christian – National Finalist

Ag Research Integrated Isabella Albiani, Elk Grove – Gold

Ag Research Plant Nicholas Mello, Hanford – National Finalist

Beef Entrep Caleb Eberhardt, Nicolaus-East Nicolaus – National Finalist

Beef Placement Wesley Knippler-Cole, Bakersfield-Frontier – National Finalist

Dairy Entrep Hartley Silva, Modesto – National Winner

Dairy Placement Shianne Omlin, Modesto – National Finalist

Diversified Ag Prod Blake Kalfsbeek, Colusa, National Finalist

Diversified Crop Entrep Peter Bliss, Merced-Golden Valley – National Winner

Diversified Crop Place Tristan Miller, Arbuckle-Pierce – Gold

Diversified Horticulture Madison Causey, Fallbrook – Participant

Diversified Livestock Lucille Burris, Ukiah – Gold

Equine Science Entrep Delilah Westhaver, Wildomar-Elsinore – National Finalist

Equine Science Place Layton Oswald, Oakdale – National Winner

Forage Production Spencer Wolf, Merced-El Capitan – National Finalist

Forest Management Caleb Gretlein, Nipomo – National Finalist

Fruit Production Pamela Donoso-Merino, Watsonville – National Finalist

Goat Production Kamille Dean, Merced-Golden Valley – GOLD

Grain Production Matthew Meents, Corning – Bronze

Landscape Management Jonathan Rodriguez, Templeton – Gold

Nursery Operations David Estrada, Watsonville – Gold

Outdoor Recreation Gavin Renz, Hollister-San Benito – National Finalist

Poultry Production Ayden Gartenlaub, Bakersfield-Highland – National Finalist

Service Learning Marc Cabeliza, Santa Maria-Pioneer Valley – National Finalist

Sheep Production Kaycee Brassfield, San Andreas-Calaveras – National Finalist

Small Animal Tristan Cardey, Atwater – Gold

Specialty Animal Emersyn Klick, Healdsburg – Gold

Specialty Crop Savanah Downs, Bakersfield Christian – National Winner

Swine Entrep Sierra Collier, Fresno-Central – National Finalist

Swine Placement Christina De La Pena, Calipatria – National Finalist

Turf Grass Omar Lopez, Madera – Bronze

Vegetable Production Adela Garcia, Santa Maria-Pioneer Valley – National Finalist

Veterinary Science Claire Conard, Healdsburg – Silver

Wildlife Production Mason Haworth, Visalia-Central Valley Christian – National Winner

VIP Award

Robert Flores, Retired, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

Michael Spiess, Retired, Chico State, Chico

Updated Cal Ag Ed Calendar

By: Charles Parker, California Department of Education, State FFA Advisor

Welcome to 2021! With the earlier State FFA Leadership Conference, there was a need to adjust many “normal” due dates. We realize that in the coming months students will be seeking opportunities to apply for various awards, submit scholarship applications, and seek experiences to continue to grow as a leader. To assist you in planning we are providing a summary of upcoming due dates. These applications and forms will be available on calaged.org. Should you not find what you are looking for do not hesitate to reach out.

Looking forward to seeing students and teachers at upcoming events and observing those deserving students as they receive the recognition they deserve.

Date	Application, For or Event
October 15	FFA Membership Rosters Due
October 15	Ag Incentive Grant Report of Expenditures Due
October 15	AET Profiles Updated (Students and Teachers)
November 1	MFE/ALA Registration Opens
December 1	SLE Applications Due
December 1	State FFA Scholarship Applications Due
December 1	State FFA Leadership Conference Registration Opens
December 15	Golden Owl-Star Advisor Nominations Due

Date	Application, For or Event
January	Star in Ag Placement, Ag Business, Ag Science & Farmer Applications Due
January	Proficiency Award Applications Due
January 1	National Scholarship Applications Due
January 15	State Leadership Conference Early Bird Registration Closes
January 14	State Nominating Committee Applications Due
January 14	State Officer Applications due
January 14	State Conference Committee & Sub-Committee Chair Applications Due
January 24	State Degree Applications Due in AET

Date	Application, For or Event
February 1	Star Administrator, Counselor & Supporting Staff Applications Due
February 1	Star Reporter Applications Due
February 1	State Talent Applications Due
February 1	National Chapter Applications Due in AET
February 1	Hall of Chapter Applications Due
February 1	Press Corps Applications Due
February 1	Web Page Applications Due

Date	Application, For or Event
February 1	Courtesy Corp Applications Due
February 1	State Distinguished Service Citation Nominations Due
February 1	Honorary State Degree Nominations Due
February 1	Ambassador Applications Due
February 15	State Conference Registration Due
February 15	State Conference Hardcopy Forms & Payment Due
February 25	Agriscience Fair Research Papers/Applications Due
March 4	State Proficiency Finalists Announced
March 10	State Prepared Public Speaking Manuscripts Due
March 10	State Job Interview Materials Due
April 1	State Officer Banquet Requests Due
May	American Degree Applications Due in AET
June 1	National Convention Delegate Applications Due
June 10	National Chapter Revisions Due
June 10	National Proficiency Award Revisions Due
June 10	National Agriscience Fair Certifications and Applications Due
June 15	National Band, Chorus and Talent Applications Due
June 15	National CDE/LDE Declarations Due
June 30	Ag Incentive Grant Funding Applications Due

Job Posting: Assistant State FFA Advisor

The California Department of Education is currently seeking a talented individual to serve as the Assistant State FFA Advisor. The position is located in Sacramento. The filing deadline is July 26, 2021. The official job announcement can be found here and below.

Job Posting: Assistant State FFA Advisor

Under the general supervision of the Education Administrator I of the Agriculture Education & Family and Consumer Sciences Office, the Education Programs Consultant is responsible for coordinating the statewide program of activities related to the Future Farmers of America (FFA) career technical student organization. The consultant also assists school districts in meeting federal and state requirements for agriculture education. The consultant is responsible for developing and maintaining a statewide agricultural education/FFA public information system, and providing technical support to local programs. Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

Serve as Assistant State FFA Advisor. Provide training to State FFA Officers in leadership development skills, and supervise the activities of State FFA student officers. Evaluate the training and operational effectiveness of state officers. Develop and conduct the state FFA program of leadership. Oversee and develop the Leadership Consortium program, and train presenters. Evaluate leadership programs, and recommend improvements. Plan and supervise state participation in national FFA activities. Provide training to California student delegates on National FFA issues, and certify all applications for awards and degrees.

Collect and process reports regarding program and student enrollment data; work with support staff to maintain current files and records; develop and maintain a statewide agricultural education public information system, and communicate with local educational agencies.

Conduct workshops, seminars, and meetings to improve teacher performance; provide professional development for teachers integrating agriculture into the curriculum, and assist teacher preparation programs in an effort to provide high-quality teachers.

Provide technical assistance as needed to maintain and strengthen local programs, and promote the initiation of new programs, by providing materials for chartering and operating a local career technical student organization.

Maintain contact with business and industry groups in agriculture-related fields, and maintain liaison with post-secondary institutions and other agencies providing agricultural education.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

For more information about the California Agricultural Teachers’ Association, visit http://calagteachers.org/

California Department of Education Update: June 2021

By: Charles Parker, California Department of Education, State FFA Advisor

I wish to extend a big thank you to the 2020-2021 State FFA Officers (Dean, Emma, Mia, Reese, Taylor and Maico) for electing to spend a year serving the FFA in California. Their dedication and commitment to providing quality experiences to FFA members was heartwarming. With every challenge, they created opportunities. At every opportunity, they ensured that the focus was on the local members. At every event, they worked hard to provide meaningful experiences. I believe that we are placed in positions for a purpose and this team is no exception. They were the right individuals and the right team to lead California FFA during the Pandemic. These six young men and women will be missed. But, I know they are headed off to college where they will find new passions and new ways to demonstrate their servant leadership. Best of luck to each of them.

In addition to the work of the officers, a special thank you goes out to Mr. Dane White. Dane is a resilient individual who provided the leadership needed during a difficult time. His ability to focus on the local members is what allowed students to find opportunities for success. I am proud that Mr. White is part of our team.

The entire staff of Jill, JessaLee, Shay, Greg, Jackie, Hugh and Dane are to be commended for the commitment they have for agricultural education. Each day they rise with the desire to be helpful. It is through their determination that opportunities existed for teachers. I am lucky to be able to work with such an outstanding group of individuals.

I raise my glass of water in a toast to the end of 2020-2021 and the beginning of 2021-2022. May we remember what we have learned over the past year so that we do not allow history to repeat itself. And, may we elect to move forward with a new hope and excitement.

Additional Announcements:

New CEO of National FFA and National FFA Foundation Named

Scott Stump was chosen as the next CEO of the National FFA Organization and National FFA Foundation. Scott is no stranger to FFA or Agricultural Education. He was an agriculture teacher, worked with National FFA and served as the State Supervisor in Colorado. In addition, he was the COO of Vivayic, Inc. and most recently served as the Assistant Secretary of Career, Technical and Adult Education for the U. S. Department of Education. Scott will begin his duties at FFA beginning June 21.

National FFA Convention

Convention Town Hall webinars are scheduled for early June to help teachers/advisors prepare for the upcoming National FFA Convention & Expo. The webinars will be hosted by Mandy Hazlett, National FFA Associate Director of Conventions & Events, along with other events team members. A town hall for teachers/advisors will be held on Thursday, June 10 at either 9 a.m. EDT or 7:30 p.m. EDT. The town halls will be recorded and shared for those who are unable to attend. Details on how to register and submit questions will be released the first week of June.

Awards and Recognition

For the latest information on awards and recognition, visit https://convention.ffa.org/awards-recognition/. Use this page for an overview of event timelines, including when finalists will be announced and when event-specific orientation packets will become available. This page also includes updates for:

Agricultural Proficiency Awards
Agriscience Fair
American FFA Degree
American Star Awards
Career and Leadership Development Events
Honorary Awards
National Chapter Awards

Should any questions arise, do not hesitate to reach out to a Regional Supervisor, Mr. White or myself. If we do not have an answer, we will find the individual who does.

Enjoy your summer!

For more information about the California Agricultural Teachers’ Association, visit http://calagteachers.org/

California Department of Education Update: April 2021

By: Charles Parker, California Department of Education, State FFA Advisor

At the end of March, I received my first Pfizer vaccination. As I left the vaccination center, I was waiting for the sun to shine, the clouds to open up, singing to occur, for something to make me appreciate the moment. But, I simply walked to my car and headed off to my next meeting. Maybe in three weeks when I receive the second dose I will feel as if everything is better.

Don’t get me wrong, I am sincerely appreciative of receiving the vaccination and look forward to being able to travel to visit family and friends. As with most of you, it has been almost a year since I was last able to see my parents.

While some students never left the classroom, we are seeing more California students returning to schools where they are beginning to experience the comfort of those great teachers. Yes, not all districts are electing to open up, a few are continuing to choose virtual learning through the end of the current school year.

Masking, distancing, proper ventilation, COVID-19 testing, and much more are used to keep students, staff and school communities safe. The goal is not only to reopen schools, but to do it in a safe manner so that they will remain open.

Athletics in many schools are back in vogue. You are seeing live broadcasts of football games while golf, baseball, and other sports are starting to open up. Cheerleading has also been given the greenlight to begin their delayed season. Recently marching bands were allowed to perform with restrictions.

As we begin to open up school farms and laboratories, practice for upcoming competitions, and conduct project visits, we must ensure that we are doing so in a safe environment. Continue to be proactive and follow all health advisories. According to Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, moving forward we should focus on:

Mental health and well-being should be at the foundation of all activities and interactions.
Relationship-building amongst students, teachers, and staff is of utmost importance.
Learning opportunities should be inquiry-based and honor the cultural context of each student.
Professional learning, collaboration opportunities, and coaching for all educators must be prioritized.
Collaboration and communication with families and community partners is critical.

We are not there yet, but each day seems to be bringing us closer to what our new normal will be. That light I see in the distance means that I will be able to see teachers and students sooner, rather than later.

Updates:

PLEASE, if you have not already done so, go to AET and complete your individual profile.
State Leadership Conference registration is open. The dates of the 93^rd Annual State FFA Leadership Conference are May 14-16. This is a unique opportunity where every student who has ever had the desire to attend a state conference can easily sign-up and take part. Make the event part of your curriculum and embrace the opportunities that exist for every student.
Career Development Events Timelines (All will be held in a virtual format). Utilize www.judgingcard.com to register for upcoming Career Development Event State Finals. Names can be changed until the date of the event

For more information about the California Agricultural Teachers’ Association, visit http://calagteachers.org/

California Department of Education Update: March 2021

By: Charles Parker, California Department of Education, State FFA Advisor

Not much is changing in Sacramento at the Department of Education. We are still working remotely with an anticipated 25% return July 1. Hopefully updates will be shared in the coming weeks as more Californians are receiving their vaccinations, schools are opening up and restrictions are being removed throughout the state.

We are also experiencing vacancies in leadership. The Access and Equity Branch Deputy Superintendent left last month and the Department is conducting a nationwide search to fill the position. Then, last week, the Career and College Transition Division Director resigned.

When we do return to the office, it will be once again time to meet with leadership. The goal will be to share what we do and how we engage all students. The data we collect will be extremely important as we demonstrate exactly what we do and the effect we have on students and local communities.

Updates:

PLEASE, if you have not already done so, go to AET and complete your individual profile.

State FFA Leadership Conference registration is open. The dates of the 93^rd Annual State FFA Leadership Conference are May 14-16. This is a unique opportunity where every student who has ever had the desire to attend a state conference can easily sign-up and take part. Make the event part of your curriculum and embrace the opportunities that exist for every student.

Career Development Events Timelines (All will be held in a virtual format). Utilize www.judgingcard.com to register for upcoming Career Development Event State Finals. You will be able to make changes to student participants up to April 1, the date registration closes.

Spring is a wonderful time of the year. The grass is green, awards are distributed, new leaders are identified and we have the opportunity to celebrate with the state leadership conference. In addition, we will see a group of students begin the transition into adulthood, where they will pursue their career or continue their education at a community college or university.

May the class of 2021 be able to celebrate their survival with a special graduation ceremony and the opportunity to have at least one senior experience. I wish this class of resilient students the best as they move on to the next phase of their life.

Alone we can do little, together we can change the world!

For more information about the California Agricultural Teachers’ Association, visit http://calagteachers.org/

California Department of Education Update: February 2021

By: Charles Parker, California Department of Education, State FFA Advisor

The new year started off much like any other year: completing State Degree applications, helping students with scholarships and preparing for what will most certainly be a busy spring. The following is provided in an effort to help you navigate the coming months:

PLEASE, if you have not already done so, go to AET and complete your profile.
State Leadership Conference – May 14-16
Application Due Dates
- March 1 – National Chapter; State Committee Chair; State Officer; Website; and State Nominating Committee
- March 15 – Star Administrator; Star Counselor; Star Supporting Staff; Star Reporter; Hall of Chapter; State Talent and State Scholarship
- April 1 – Courtesy Corp and Press Corp
Leadership Development Events Timelines (All will be held in a virtual format)

*Creed Recitation* Central – April 14 North Coast – April 13 San Joaquin – April 14 South Coast – March 19 Southern – April 13 Superior – April 14 State Finals – April 26	*Extemporaneous Speaking* Central – March 23 North Coast – March 29 San Joaquin – March 29 South Coast – March 25 Southern – March 24 Superior – March 26 State Finals – April 28
*Impromptu Speaking* Central – April 6 North Coast – April 8 San Joaquin – April 7 South Coast – April 8 Southern – April 6 Superior – April 7 State Finals – April 29	*Job Interview* Central – April 7 North Coast – April 5 San Joaquin – April 7 South Coast – April 9 Southern – April 9 Superior – April 5 Region Resume/Cover Due – March 15 State Resume/Cover Due – April 21 State Finals – April 30
*Prepared Public Speaking* Central – March 31 North Coast – March 30 San Joaquin – March 31 South Coast – April 1 Southern – April 1 Superior – March 30 State Finals – April 27 Region Manuscripts Due – March 19 State Manuscripts Due – April 9	*Novice Parliamentary Procedure* Central – May 6 North Coast – April 22 San Joaquin – May 4 South Coast – April 21 Southern – April 23 Superior Region – April 16 Test – April 15 State Preliminaries – May 18 State Semi-Finals – May 20 State Finals – May 22
*Advanced Parliamentary Procedure* Central – May 5 North Coast – April 22 San Joaquin – May 3 South Coast – April 21 Southern – April 23 Superior Region – April 16 Test – April 15 State Preliminaries – May 19 State Semi-Finals – May 20 State Finals – May 22

5. Agriscience Fair Timeline

March 19 – Research Papers/Application Due in AET
April 9 – Research Paper Results Announced
April 15 – Digital Display Boards Due
May 3 – Team Interview/Videos Due
May 7 – State Results Announced

6. Proficiency Award Timeline

February 23-24 – State Proficiency Scoring
February 26 – State Proficiency Finalists Announced
March 19 – Proficiency Award Videos Due
May 14-16 – Proficiency Winners Announced

7. Career Development Events Timeline (All will be held in a virtual format)

Event	Host Site	Date
Ag Communications (Trial)	Reedley College	May 6-7
Ag Issues	UC Davis	April 28 (Portfolios due April 19)
Ag Mechanics	CP SLO	April 30-1
Ag Pest Control	CSU Fresno	May 4
Ag Sales	Cosumnes River College	May 6
Ag Welding	CSU Fresno/Merced College	May 3-7
AET Farm Records	AET	April 27
Agronomy	Modesto JC	April 27
Best Informed	CP SLO	April 28
Computer Applications	CSU Fresno	April 26
Dairy Cattle Judging	CSU Fresno	May 1
Farm Business Management	Butte College	May 4
Farm Power & Machinery	CSU Fresno	April 28-30
Floriculture	Modesto JC	May 7
Forestry	CP SLO	May 1
Light Horse Judging	CSU Fresno	May 8
Livestock Judging	CP SLO	May 1
Marketing (CoOp)	Modesto JC	April 30
Marketing Plan	UC Davis	May 4 (Plans due April 27)
Meat Judging	CSU Fresno	May 8
Milk Quality & Dairy Foods	Tulelake	May 1
Nursery/Landscape	Tulelake	April 26
Poultry Judging	Tulelake	April 30
Small Engines	CSU Fresno	May 5-7
Soil & Land Evaluation	Allan Hancock College	May 7
Vegetable Crop Judging	CP SLO	May 1
Veterinary Science	Chico State	April 30

For more information about the California Agricultural Teachers’ Association, visit http://calagteachers.org/

California Department of Education Update: January 2021

By: Charles Parker, California Department of Education, State FFA Advisor

As the calendar turned over from 2020 to 2021, one of my first tasks was to make sure that I had all of the year’s most important dates entered. I am that person who wants to be organized, with everything in its rightful place and my calendar up to date. So, when I went to enter those events into my 2021 calendar, I began to have anxiety attacks. There are so many uncertainties and missing dates!

If you are feeling much the same way, feel free to do what I did. Walk outside, look to the sky, and yell as loud as you can! No, this did not help, but it did cause a few neighbors to frantically begin calling, seeking what was wrong.

For you, I will try to at least provide you with the latest information. I will not answer all your questions and most likely will not help with peace of mind. But, it will be the truth.

CalAgEd

If you have not already done so, log onto calaged.org and check out our redesigned site. Dane White and Maureen Funk have done a tremendous job in facilitating the development of the new site. Let us know your reaction as well as anything that we can improve.

AET

Remember each teacher now has their individual login to AET. In logging in, one of the first tasks should be to reset your password. We are hopeful that each teacher will find a few moments to log into AET and update their personal profile so that it is indicating 100% completion. If you have any troubles or a teacher is missing, do not hesitate to contact your regional supervisor.

ALA and MFE

Hannah Garrett and her team have been working diligently on updating the curriculum for our winter conferences, Advanced Leadership Academies (ALA) and Made for Excellence (MFE). Registration should be on calaged.org in the next couple of weeks. For the latest information regarding ALA’s go to https://calaged.org/advanced-leadership-academy and for MFE’s visit https://calaged.org/made-excellence-conference.

Career Development Events

For Career Development Events, we are currently finalizing which events will be conducted this year and identifying dates in which the state finals will be held. This year all CDE’s will be held in a virtual format. We have asked our university and college partners if they would be willing to assist in coordinating virtual state finals and will be utilizing this information as we finalize the details. Our goal is to have a final list available in early February.

State Leadership Conference

In December, we announced that the State FFA Leadership Conference would not be held in March. We are currently looking at dates and possible venues in May that would allow us to host the conference. Our hope is that we will be able to have a hybrid event that will allow some in person attendees and a virtual event. Conferences and hotels are reluctant to issue any contracts at this time due to the ever-changing guidelines regarding the pandemic. We are hoping to have something finalized in early February that will enable us to grow as conditions change.

Tentative Calendar

Check with your Regional Supervisor for an up-to-date calendar specific to your section and region.

JANUARY

January 1 – New Year’s Day

January 4-6 – State Staff Meeting

January 7-8 – Student Teacher Conclave (virtual event)

January 13-14 – CATA Advanced Leadership Institute

January 13-14 – CATA Winter Governing Board

January 18 – Martin Luther King Day

January 23 – Natural Resources State Finals (virtual event)

January 25 – State Degree Applications Due in AET

FEBRUARY

February 1 – MFE/ALA Registration Due (virtual event)

February 1 – Applications Due (Distinguished Service and Honorary State Degree)

February 1-2 – Supervising Teacher Institute (virtual event)

February 5 – UC Davis Field Day Agriscience Fair Papers Due (virtual event)

February 6 – Winter State Finals (virtual event)

February 12 – Lincoln’s Birthday

February 12 – State Degree Approved Lists Due

February 13 – Southern Region CATA/FFA Meetings (virtual event)

February 15 – President’s Day

February 15 – State FFA Advisory Committee Meeting

February 19 – Region Proficiency Lists Finalized (virtual event)

February 20 – North Coast Region CATA/FFA Meetings

February 20 – San Joaquin Region CATA/FFA Meetings

February 22 – South Coast Region CATA Meeting

February 22 – UC Davis Field Day Agriscience Fair Posters Due (virtual event)

February 23-24 – State Proficiency Scoring (virtual event)

February 26 – State Proficiency Finalists Announced (virtual event)

February 27 – Central Region CATA/FFA Meetings

MARCH

March 1 – Applications Due (National Chapter; State Committee Chair; State Nominating Committee; State Officer; and Website)

March 1 – State FFA Executive Committee Meeting

March 5-6 – MFE/ALA Date 1 (virtual event)

March 5-6 – UC Davis Field Day (virtual event)

March 6 – UC Davis Field Day Agriscience Fair Results (virtual event)

March 12-13 – MFE/ALA Date 2 (virtual event)

March 13 – Chico State Field Day (virtual event)

March 15 – State FFA Leadership Conference Registration Due

March 15 – Job Interview Resumes and Cover Letters Due for Regional Contests

March 15 – Applications Due (Star Administrator; Star Counselor; Star Supporting Staff; Star Reporter; Hall of Chapter; State Talent and State Scholarship)

March 16 – State Officer Candidate Experience 1 (virtual event)

March 19 – Agriscience Fair Research Papers/Application Due in AET (virtual event)

March 19 – Proficiency Award Videos Due (virtual event)

March 19 – South Coast Region Creed Recitation Event (virtual event)

March 19 – Prepared Manuscripts Due for Region Contests (virtual event)

March 19 – State Nominating Committee Pre-Screening

March 19-20 – MFE/ALA Date 3 (virtual event)

March 23 – Central Region Extemporaneous Contest (virtual event)

March 24 – Southern Region ExtemporaneousContest (virtual event)

March 25 – South Coast Region ExtemporaneousContest (virtual event)

March 26 – Superior Region Extemporaneous Contest (virtual event)

March 29 – North Coast Region Extemporaneous Contest (virtual event)

March 29 – San Joaquin Region Extemporaneous Contest (virtual event)

March 30 – North Coast Region Prepared Contest (virtual event)

March 30 – Superior Region Prepared Contest (virtual event)

March 31 – Central Region Prepared Contest (virtual event)

March 31 – San Joaquin Region Prepared Contest (virtual event)

APRIL

April 1 – Applications Due (Courtesy Corp and Press Corp)

April 1 – South Coast Region Prepared Contest (virtual event)

April 1 – Southern Region Prepared Contest (virtual event)

April 2 – Entries Due for All Regional Parliamentary Procedure Teams

April 4 – Easter Sunday

April 5 – North Coast Region Job Interview Contest (virtual event)

April 5 – Superior Region Job Interview Contest (virtual event)

April 6 – Central Region Impromptu Contest (virtual event)

April 6 – Southern Region Impromptu Contest (virtual event)

April 6 – State Officer Candidate Experience 2 (virtual event)

April 7 – Superior Region Impromptu Contest (virtual event)

April 7 – San Joaquin Region Impromptu Contest (virtual event)

April 7 – Central Region Job Interview Contest (virtual event)

April 7 – San Joaquin Region Job Interview Contest (virtual event)

April 8 – North Coast Region Impromptu Contest (virtual event)

April 8 – South Coast Region Impromptu Contest (virtual event)

April 9 – South Coast Region Job Interview Contest (virtual event)

April 9 – Southern Region Job Interview Contest (virtual event)

April 9 – Prepared Manuscripts Due for State Finals (virtual event)

April 9 – Agriscience Fair Research Paper Results Announced (virtual event)

April 13 – North Coast Region Creed Recitation Contest (virtual event)

April 13 – Southern Region Creed Recitation Contest (virtual event)

April 14 – Superior Region Creed Recitation Contest (virtual event)

April 14 – Central Region Creed Recitation Contest (virtual event)

April 14 – San Joaquin Region Creed Recitation Contest (virtual event)

April 15 – Agriscience Fair Digital Display Boards Due (virtual event)

April 15 – Parliamentary Procedure Test for all Regional Parliamentary Procedure Teams (On-Line)

April 16 – Superior Region Parliamentary Procedure Contest (virtual event)

April 19 – State Officer Candidate Experience 3 (virtual event)

April 21 – Job Interview Resumes & Cover Letters Due for State Finals (virtual event)

April 21 – South Coast Region Parliamentary Procedure Contest (virtual event)

April 22 – North Coast Region Parliamentary Procedure Contest (virtual event)

April 23 – Southern Region Parliamentary Procedure Contest (virtual event)

April 26 – Creed Recitation State Finals (virtual event)

April 27 – Prepared Public Speaking State Finals (virtual event)

April 28 – Extemporaneous Speaking State Finals (virtual event)

April 29 – Impromptu Speaking State Finals (virtual event)

April 30 – Job Interview State Finals (virtual event)

MAY

May 1 – State Officer Candidate Experience 4 (virtual event)

May 3 – Agriscience Fair Team Interview/Videos Due (virtual event)

May 3 – San Joaquin Region Advanced Parliamentary Procedure Contest (virtual event)

May 4 – San Joaquin Region Novice Parliamentary Procedure Contest (virtual event)

May 5 – Central Region Advanced Parliamentary Procedure Contest (virtual event)

May 6 – Central Region Novice Parliamentary Procedure Contest (virtual event)

May 7 – Agriscience Fair Results Announced (virtual event)

May 9 – Mother’s Day

May 13-16 – State FFA Leadership Conference (Sacramento-Tentative)

May 18 – State Novice Parliamentary Procedure Preliminary Rounds (virtual event)

May 19 – State Advanced Parliamentary Procedure Preliminary Rounds (virtual event)

May 20 – State Novice Parliamentary Procedure Semi-Final Round in AM (virtual event)

May 20 – State Advanced Parliamentary Procedure Semi-Final Round in PM (virtual event)

May 22 – State Parliamentary Procedure Finals (virtual event)

May 31 – Memorial Day

JUNE

June 1 – National Delegate Applications Due

June 1-3 – State Ag Ed Staff Meeting

June 20 – Father’s Day

June 21-25 – CATA Summer Conference (TBD)

Other items needed to include:

CDE State Finals – TBD

For more information about the California Agricultural Teachers’ Association, visit http://calagteachers.org/

California Department of Education: December 2020 Update

By: Charles Parker, California Department of Education, State FFA Advisor

As the holiday season approaches and we prepare for a New Year, I can’t help but reflect on 2020 and prepare for putting in writing my resolutions for 2021. I wish each of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May 2021 be filled with exciting times, tons of family outings and special moments with friends.

I wish to share with you a few last-minute items as you prepare for your well-deserved break:

CalAgEd Redesign – The site you are used to has been updated. Hopefully the design will be a positive reflection on California FFA and one that you and your students will enjoy. The full launch of the new site, still www.calaged.org, will take place following the first of the year. However, in the next week, a soft launch will take place. Check it out and let us know your thoughts.

AET Update – Beginning NOW, if you have any new students or teachers to add or update, you will want to make those entries in AET. We will no longer be adding or changing students in CalAgEd. All current information in CalAgEd for both students and teachers have been migrated to AET. Please spend some time making sure all the information is accurate. Remember, if you have a new student, they should be entered in AET.

Ag Incentive Grant – The State Controller is in the process of forwarding all checks to each County Office of Education. They should be arriving in the next two weeks.

Career Development Events (CDEs) – We are in the process of finalizing the Spring calendar for CDEs. We hope to provide a summary of which contests will be held, who the host will be and dates of state finals in early January. The next steps include:
1. Working with Universities and Community Colleges on who are interested in potentially hosting a virtual CDE State Finals.
2. Reviewing recommendations from University/Community Colleges on what the 2021 contest will look like, what are potential Curricular Code changes.
3. Engage 2020 State Champion Coach and State Staff Consultant in reviewing recommendations made by University/Community College hosts.
4. Finalize details for 2021 State Finals and confirm a competition schedule.

Updated Calendar – To facilitate your planning for the remainder of the academic year, below you will find an updated calendar. This calendar includes:
1. Update and revised application due dates.
2. List of Leadership Development Dates for Regional and State Finals.

Updated Calendar 2020-2021

DECEMBER

December 11 – Superior Region CATA Meeting

December 31 – Golden Owl Nominations Due

JANUARY

January 4-6 – State Staff Meeting

January 7-8 – Student Teacher Conclave (virtual event)

January 15 – CATA Winter Governing Board

January 23 – Natural Resources State Finals (virtual event)

January 25 – State Degree Applications Due in AET

FEBRUARY

February 1 – MFE/ALA Registration Due (virtual event)

February 1 – Applications Due (Distinguished Service and Honorary State Degree)

February 1-2 – Supervising Teacher Institute (virtual event)

February 5 – UC Davis Field Day Agriscience Fair Papers Due (virtual event)

February 6 – Winter State Finals (virtual event)

February 12 – State Degree Approved Lists Due

February 13 – Southern Region CATA/FFA Meetings (virtual event)

February 15 – State FFA Advisory Committee Meeting

February 19 – Region Proficiency Lists Finalized (virtual event)

February 20 – North Coast Region CATA/FFA Meetings

February 20 – San Joaquin Region CATA/FFA Meetings

February 22 – South Coast Region CATA Meeting

February 22 – UC Davis Field Day Agriscience Fair Posters Due (virtual event)

February 23-24 – State Proficiency Scoring (virtual event)

February 26 – State Proficiency Finalists Announced (virtual event)

February 27 – Central Region CATA/FFA Meetings

MARCH

March 1 – Applications Due (National Chapter, State Committee Chair, State Nominating Committee, State Officer and Website)

March 1 – State FFA Executive Committee Meeting

March 5-6 – MFE/ALA Date 1 (virtual event)

March 5-6 – UC Davis Field Day (virtual event)

March 6 – UC Davis Field Day Agriscience Fair Results (virtual event)

March 12-13 – MFE/ALA Date 2 (virtual event)

March 13 – Chico State Field Day (virtual event)

March 15 – State FFA Leadership Conference Registration Due

March 15 – Job Interview Resume’s and Cover Letters Due for Regional Contests

March 15 – Applications Due (Star Administrator, Star Counselor, Star Supporting Staff, Star Reporter, Hall of Chapter, State Talent and State Scholarship)

March 16 – State Officer Candidate Experience 1 (virtual event)

March 19 – Agriscience Fair Research Papers/Application Due in AET (virtual event)

March 19 – Proficiency Award Videos Due (virtual event)

March 19 – South Coast Region Creed Recitation Event (virtual event)

March 19 – Prepared Manuscripts Due for Region Contests (virtual event)

March 19 – State Nominating Committee Pre-Screening

March 19-20 – MFE/ALA Date 3 (virtual event)

March 23 – Central Region Extemporaneous Contest (virtual event)

March 24 – Southern Region ExtemporaneousContest (virtual event)

March 25 – South Coast Region Extemporaneous Contest (virtual event)