California FFA News Spring 2015 | Page 13

Fall Feast Submitted by Dominic Vieira Students were promised a “Fall Feast” full of food and fun for the Turlock FFA meeting. What the over 200 members of the chapter didn’t know was that this “Fall Feast” was actually a “Hunger Banquet”. During the meeting all of the members were seated on the floor for the regular business portion of the meeting, but soon after that they were divided into three groups. Ten percent of the attendees received the first tickets, which symbolized first world countries such as the U.S. and England; these lucky elite would receive a full course meal, table set with china, silverware and nice floral arrangement. Thirty percent of the members received a second colored ticket that represented the second world countries such as Russia and Poland, would be seated at tables; they ate off paper plates and received meat and salad. The final 60% of hungry high school students had received a ticket that represented the developing countries of the world like El Salvador and Mexico. This massive group sat on the floor and were served nothing but rice and water. While the students ate their meals guest speaker Gary Soiseth, the new Mayor of Turlock, spoke about his work with the US Department of Food and Agriculture, as well as the issue of hunger both local and global. Once Mr. Soiseth finished his speech and all of the members finished their meals, the advisors brought out trays of food for all to enjoy. The South Coast Regional Leadership Team had a blast in the 2014 year and is ready for another great one in 2015! We began our journey with the Sectional Officer Leadership Conference and Chapter Officer Leadership Conference, and were able to motivate members throughout our region to step up and become leaders that will make a difference. The theme for this year is “Unlock Your Potential,” and I believe our region has done just that as every member steps outside of his or her comfort zone. Our regional team has truly become a family throughout our endeavors, and after returning from a weekend of camping at Limekiln Campgrounds for our winter retreat, we are extremely exc