California FFA News Winter 2015 | Page 12

Soledad FFA The Future of Agriculture Submitted by Angelita Cisneros Being in the south end of Monterey County, Soledad FFA members have the opportunity of being surrounded by Salinas Valley’s agricultural mecca. This past spring, members had the opportunity to practice the FFA Motto in “Living to Serve.” The school’s agricultural area was opened up to more than 500 elementary school students within the Soledad Unified School District. Members held hands-on learning labs that covered topics related to the agriculture industry, such as how to plant seeds, milk a cow, walk a lamb, and show rabbits. Members applied their leadership skills through extensive preparation and presentation of these topics. It was fun to see kids excited for agriculture and express their desire to possibly follow in the footsteps of their family and friends. Sunny Hills FFA Welcome BBQ Submitted by Emily Colby On August 27th, the Sunny Hills FFA Chapter had our first social of the year, a Welcome to the Agriculture Department BBQ. There were 109 people who attended, a new record for our chapter! At this event, there was a relaxing atmosphere, where members could enjoy themselves while being welcomed into the FFA. We served food and drinks for the students and enjoyed socializing with everyone. After socializing and eating, the students were offered in a friendly game of mud tug-of-war. It was amusing to watch students play both regular and mud tug-of-war. A few duos played against each other, which was pleasing to watch because they were enthusiastic about it! Chapter officers also joined in and played against the members. Overall, the first social of the year was a success because the members had a good time and were welcomed into the FFA! Turlock FFA Fair Success Submitted by Bobby Marchy Turlock FFA had a spectacular year at the Stanislaus County Fair. All exhibitors were able to see their hard work, dedication, and passion for their exhibits pay off. From the early days to the long nights of hard work, Turlock FFA members were exhilarated to find out at the awards ceremony, that they had won the Thurman award. The Thurman award is given to the chapter that has the most points out of all exhibits over the two week span of fair. Students of Turlock FFA, motivated by their leaders to work together and accomplish their goals, ended up going home more motivated and determined to work harder than before to keep progressing in their exhibits. Tulare FFA Golden Milk Can Submitted by Kelsey Swall, Tulare FFA Reporter The Tulare FFA Chapter is unique in that it is made up of three high schools, with almost 1000 members! Every year, the chapter hosts a meeting at the beginning of the year just for the incoming freshman. Freshman parents attend as well, and learn about the opportunities in FFA and Booster club activities. During that time, the members split up by school, allowing the officers to connect with the incoming freshman members. Afterwards, the three schools compete in a relay race; which consists و