May is so close yet so far from the end of school, which means a closing of another year with the Gustine FFA Chapter. Though this month was some of the last weeks of school, FFA members made it worthwhile and utilized any activities left to help the community, their school, and themselves as leaders.
On May 3rd, FFA Judging teams traveled to Cal Poly to compete in the state finals! The Livestock Judging team was represented by Ryan Barcellos, Carson Bell, Freddy Sanchez, and Avery Etheridge. Congratulations to these competitors who gained valuable experience for the upcoming judging contests next school year. The Soil Judging team competed and consisted of Yasmin Martinez, Yara Herrera, Elizabeth Meza, and Esmeralda Solano. Congratulations to Yara Herrera for placing 4th high individual in Pit 2 and the overall soil team for placing 4th high in Pit 2. They placed 6th overall!
May 4th was the end of the May Fair and the commencement of awards. Heritage Foundation members, 4-H, FFA, and committee chair members are recognized at this ceremony. Congratulations to the Swine Exhibitors who won the Clean Barn award! A big congratulations to Jake Campbell and Blake Vaz for receiving their Heritage Foundations Scholarships!
Tuning into more of the public speaking aspect of FFA, AG Chemistry students were required to pick, research, and collect data on any chosen agriscience project for their final. On May 7th, they were judged on their presentation, appearance, data, analysis, and overall understanding of their chosen project. This prepares students to always ensure they are using factual information, how to work diligently, and how to speak in front of judges and be prepared to explain if any questions arise.
A saddening feeling hits Gustine FFA when the end-of-the-year banquet arrives. This is filled with the realization that seniors are graduating, the year is over, and new officers are installed. On May 20th at 6:30 pm, the annual banquet was held. The theme of this year was “Ignite Your Passion,” and officers did their best to capture this theme. During the banquet, we recognized speaking competitors, judging team members, awarded scholarships, gave awards, and installed the new officer team! Your 2025-2026 Gustine FFA team is:
President - Carson Bell
Vice President - Alina Camacho
Secretary - Juliana Martinez
Treasure - Natalie Ventura
Reporter - Oscar Vergara
Sentinel - Justin Lopes
Thank you to all community members, family, friends, and FFA members who attended the banquet. A huge thank you to all who gave scholarships, and to the AG Boosters for continuing to make these events possible. Gustine FFA is rooted in tradition, and in that tradition comes a sense of belonging, family, and support. Thank you to everyone in Gustine who continues to support the Gustine Chapter.
Following the FFA Banquet is the Top 20 trip, where the top 20 FFA members who have racked up points get rewarded for their contribution to their chapter. This year, the chosen event was a San Francisco Giants game! This was a way for all members to relax after all their hard work and involvement.
Even though the year is almost over does not mean that Gustine FFA students stop giving back to the community, and more importantly, to those who have fought for their freedom. On Friday, May 23rd, students placed flags and crosses at the cemetery to remember and thank those who gave everything for our country.
The journey of improvement is an ongoing one, and for Gustine FFA, it's a path they're committed to taking. The events and activities set up by this organization cultivate strong speakers, engaged members, gratitude, and a constant flow of fresh ideas. This is shaping the next generation of leaders who will undoubtedly make a lasting impact on agriculture and their communities.
