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We hit the ground running as the second semester began! Garces FFA has been up to some big achievements. Starting with speaking competitions and wrapping this month up with National FFA Week Celebrations!
Kern Inyo Speaking Competition
Public speaking is a skill not many can perfect. A group of our members competed at the Kern Inyo Speaking Competition and did outstandingly with a few moving onto regionals! A few of the categories include Job Interview, Creed Speaking, Extemporaneous and Prepared Speaking. Thank you to all of our contestants!
Creed Speaking:
Lucia White - 2nd Place
Gia Wattenbarger - 4th Place
Charlie Anspach - 6th Place
Job Interview:
Analeina Lugo
Extemporaneous:
Luke Zunino - 5th Place
Farm Cleanup
Did you know that dumping litter on agricultural land is illegal and is punishable by a fine of $10,000? Our leadership team wanted to make a difference and help out our local ag community by cleaning up farm land on the south side of town. We found a bed frame, mattress and even a TV! Our next farmland cleanup will take place on March 19. If you see any signs of illegal dumping, please DM us on Instagram!
Booster Club
The inaugural Saint Isidore Booster Club fundraiser, "Jeans and Jewels," exceeded all expectations, leaving an awe of the evening's success. From center pieces to the VIP table, every aspect of the event was meticulously planned and executed by the dedicated committee members, whose tireless efforts ensured its resounding success. The overwhelming generosity displayed by attendees and sponsors alike surpassed our chapter’s wildest dreams, leaving the program eternally grateful for the unwavering support and commitment of all involved. The profound impact of "Jeans and Jewels" will resonate within chapter for years to come, setting a remarkable precedent for future endeavors.
THANK YOU to everyone who attended and the continuous support given to our Garces Memorial FFA members, we will keep you in our prayers of thanksgiving. Special thanks to co-chairs, Stacy Valdez & Andie Froelich, along with committees members Jenn Borba, Candice Banducci, Christiane Camou, Tonya Dewar, Julie Fanucchi, Deanna Lugo, Denise McCombs, Janelle Shepard, Annette Tracy and Julie Zunino.
World Ag Expo
At the World Ag Expo, we had the opportunity to network with industry professionals, meet other FFA members, and link the exhibits to our SAE projects. We learned about all the different aspects of agriculture and how we can positively impact the industry. Our FFA members had the freedom to visit whichever exhibits they were drawn to, and even speak with representatives from agricultural colleges to kick start their career in agriculture. Overall, our chapter had an amazing time at this beneficial experience!
Dairy Judging
For the first time in Garces FFA history, four of our members, including Luke Zunino, Nick Zunino, Sophia Camou and Sienna Surgener competed in a Dairy Judging competition. Our team got an impressive third place as first-time competitors! Our chapter president Luke Zunino quotes “The Private Reserve Dairy Judging Competition was a great first experience for our chapter and allowed our team to truly experience the dairy industry." Thank you and congratulations to our team!
Made for Excellence & Advanced Leadership Academy
Our sophomores and juniors got the chance to travel to Visalia for the weekend to participate in a leadership conference called MFE (Made for Excellence) and ALA (Advanced Leadership Academy). They not only built a strong foundation as leaders but had the opportunity to meet other members from various chapters across California. Sophia Camou shared her experience at the ALA conference, “ALA not only equipped me with leadership skills but let me form personal relationships with the California State Officers and members across our state." We cannot wait to share this experience again next year!
Ag Bash
Our chapter also competed in the Ag Bash competition, featuring multiple agriculture based categories such as ag knowledge, floral, ag mechanics, Best Informed Greenhand and an ag obstacle course team. Congratulations to all of our teams who demonstrated their passion for agriculture!
Ag Knowledge:
1st High Team
2nd High Individual - Drew Reed
Floral:
2nd High Team
3rd High Team Written Test
3rd High Team Floral Arrangement
5th High Team Floral Arrangement
BIG:
5th High Team
Garces won 3rd Place Overall
FFA Week 2024
Garces Memorial FFA proudly participates in National FFA Week, running from February 20-23 alongside thousands nationwide, honoring over 95 years of FFA traditions while embracing its promising future. Throughout the week, engaging activities aim to foster awareness and appreciation for agriculture. Events include showcasing local agriculture businesses, hosting a Harvest Market featuring homemade agricultural products, and a school-wide Pet Blessing followed by interactive barnyard experiences. A patriotic all-school BBQ and displays from agricultural colleges further enrich the week, culminating in a western-themed Giddy Up Garces day with a lively Barn Dance. As we celebrate, Garces Memorial FFA reaffirms its dedication to nurturing future agricultural leaders and promoting the importance of agriculture in our society.
Regional Meeting
A HUGE congratulations to our very own Sophia Camou for receiving the 2024-25 Kern Inyo Regional Vice President! We are so beyond proud of you and all that you’ve accomplished outside of our chapter. Last year, Sophia served as the Sentinel on the Regional Officer Team. We can’t wait to see what amazing things you will do for our chapter, region, and state!
Upcoming - the Best Informed Greenhand, Novice Records, Farm Co-ops competition and the most anticipated California State Leadership Conference!
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