Outstanding
Chapter
Nipomo
FFA
Located in the foothills of the Santa Lucia
Mountains at the heart of greenhouses and nursery
production is Nipomo High School, home of the
Nipomo Titans. Though the school may be small,
its students have a huge passion for FFA. Over 350
of the 1,100 NHS students are actively involved in
the agriculture education program. Taking courses
ranging from Ag Mechanics, to Environmental
Horticulture, and everything in between, students
are able to get hands-on experiences both inside
and outside of the classroom. The agriculture
department, lovingly known as “Ag Island” by the
students, houses a greenhouse, shade house, and
agriculture mechanics shop facility for student use.
“We don’t spend a lot of time in the classroom
which works better for me. I like doing things
hands-on instead of learning out of the textbook
or from a PowerPoint. I get bored when I have
to sit for a long time. I would much rather get
up and do things that actually matter. It’s a great
learning environment for me,” explained senior
Ag Mechanics student Jesse Morales. Students are
able to gain actual experience in the career fields
that interest them, increasing student engagement
and preparation for
life after high school.
“I want to be a
welder when I grow
up, so ag mechanics
is my favorite class.
I feel like what I am
learning actually
matters for my future,”
mentioned Taylor
Ianneo, NHS Junior.
In addition to
opportunities to work
hands-on in class,
Titan FFA members
are able to practice
their leadership
skills outside of the
classroom. One of
the most unique things about FFA members at NHS
is that everyone wants to be involved. “I love being
active. I love giving back to the community and to
the school,” commented Senior Alena Souza.
So many members want to be involved in
fact, that students have to compete to be a part of
traveling teams and off campus events. “It’s also a
big deal to get to be on one of the traveling teams.
Even within our chapter we compete all year to
get to go to field days in the spring,” explained
Souza. For some events closer to home however,
more than just the traveling teams get to compete.
In October, 138 Titan FFA members competed
at Opening/Closing competition winning the
Novice, Open and Officer divisions as well as
five outstanding
officers in each
division. “Opening/
Closing was so
much fun. It was my
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