California FFA News Summer 2017 | Page 5

{ Continued from page 4 } have projects that range from work experience at local vet hospitals, marketing for wineries, agriscience projects, and even agriculture processing at Healdsburg Toffee Company. In addition to SAE’s, our FFA leadership has been completely transformed in the past four years. We now have nearly two dozen state degrees, a half dozen profi ciencies, and tons of students attending leadership conferences each year. The success of our chapter has been because of the dedication and value of leadership on campus, in our community and at FFA activities. E arning to Live Along with our SAE projects, students participate in many fundraising activities throughout the year. Our fair brings in high prices for our students, so they understand the importance of giving back to the community. We hold Drive Thru BBQ’s, Chili Fundraisers, and Dine & Donates at local pizza restaurants, all to help with purchasing supplies for our garden to be able to have our own plant sale each spring. Our newest venture is partnering with the Wreaths Across America program. The program provides wreaths during the month of December, to be laid on veterans’ graves at the local cemetery. While the program is a non- profi t, we are fundraising to be able to cover all the costs of the wreaths and their transportation from the east coast. Stay tuned for this great program. L iving to Serve service projects, valuing service to others above ourselves. We have participated in a myriad of projects, but we are most proud of holding an annual Blood Drive, our Blanket Making Project, Relay for Life team, Healdsburg Ag Days, and now Wreaths Across America. We have even participated in the National Day of Service during National Convention. We work to make sure we are participating in community service that benefi ts not only our community but Sonoma County and have been fortunate to learn about food insecurity in other states through our service projects. Our community is extremely generous and supportive, so we always want to ensure we are giving back. • The chapter regularly organizes and participates in a high number of community California FFANEWS • PAGE 5 • Summer 2017