By Oscar Vergara Vazquez
Gustine FFA Reporter
Gustine has hosted multiple generations and countless legacies of FFA members who continue to influence their hometown and neighboring communities. This year, our FFA Chapter focused on positively impacting our community by hosting its traditional Welcome Back BBQ, which marks the beginning of our chapter’s annual journey.
At the first meeting of the year, the officer team presented their opening and closing ceremony for the first time, using their impactful words to introduce the new officers and their roles to create excitement about representing this amazing chapter. Interestingly, this year’s officer team is the same as last year’s, except for one new addition: our reporter.
The unity didn’t end after the meeting. It grew even stronger as everyone enjoyed hamburgers and hot dogs, played cornhole, and competed in a lively (and not-so-friendly) volleyball game. Our community welcomed the new officers with open arms, and now, our officers are committed not only to welcoming new and returning members but also to serving with all of their abilities and experiences to ensure that this year is both unforgettable and outstanding.
Following this local meeting, our new officers introduced themselves to other chapters across our brand-new section, the Great River Valley, as well as the Merced-Mariposa Section. At this meeting, delegates from each chapter approved this year’s constitution, and chapter officers had the chance to connect with the current sectional officers. We are proud to share that two of our members from Gustine are serving as sectional officers. Our Chapter President, Carson Bell, is the sectional president, and proud Gustine FFA member Baylor Bloom is the sectional treasurer. We also had the honor of meeting our Regional President, Ruben Canchola.
Just like our chapter officers, the sectional team emphasized the importance of welcoming members and building unity through leadership activities. To make these activities successful, chapter officers were paired into teams and participated in multiple challenges that pushed them out of their comfort zones and encouraged collaboration. From singing “Firework” by Katy Perry at karaoke to debating whether Starbucks is better than Dutch Bros, our officers were exposed to new perspectives and developed their communication, adaptability, and leadership skills in creative ways.
After the leadership activities, officers were taken outside to participate in a scavenger hunt before eating, a challenge one of our officers jokingly called “the real Hunger Games.” Officers were placed in groups based on their office positions and worked together with officers from other schools to solve four complex puzzles that tested both their problem-solving and teamwork skills.
Afterwards, when everyone had enjoyed some well-earned food and candy, the sectional officers, as well as our regional president, revealed that they had been secretly observing members throughout the day. They handed out special awards based on participation, skill development, and commitment. While the awards may have looked like simple, silly plastic ducks, they represented each officer’s growth, determination, and outstanding effort. We’re proud to announce that our secretary, Juliana Martinez, received one of these awards, and our treasurer, Natalie Ventura, received the prestigious Golden Duck, awarded by the Central Region President.
These two events are just a small demonstration of the dedication and effort that FFA officers put forth to ensure a strong present and future for agricultural leadership. They marked the beginning of a never-ending mission, one that our chapter and sectional officers will continue to pursue with commitment and determination throughout this year, helping all members harvest their true potential!
