Merced Union High School District

Many El Capitan and Atwater high school FFA members have been recognized for their achievements during a series of events across California. The El Capitan High School FFA chapter represented Merced County at the California FFA State Leadership Conference earlier this month with several students recognized in different areas, reflecting their dedication and passion for FFA and their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects.

 

Senior Madysen Dietz was named the State Star Farmer, the highest individual honor awarded to a student in California FFA. This prestigious recognition is given to the top agriculture student in the state based on excellence in their SAE project. 

 

Selected from an elite group of finalists, Dietz distinguished herself through her exceptional sheep production program, detailed record-keeping, and strong commitment to the agricultural industry. In addition to this top honor, she was also named the Sheep Production Proficiency Winner, further highlighting her expertise and dedication to livestock production.

 

Fellow senior Shaminka Elwin earned top recognition as the Agricultural Communications Proficiency Award Winner. She serves as an intern for AgLink and the Merced Union High School District, where she has gained valuable experience in agricultural communications. Through these efforts, she has demonstrated outstanding ability in promoting and communicating the importance of agriculture to diverse audiences.

 

Clarke Conrad was named the Specialty Animal Production Proficiency Winner for his successful bee SAE project. Clarke works for Conrad Bee Pollination and also owns and manages his own hives, which he rents to local almond growers while producing honey for a distributor. His work highlights the critical role of pollinators in agriculture and sustainability.

 

Sofia Figueroa Mendez earned the title of Agricultural Sales Entrepreneurship Proficiency Winner for her floral business SAE, Daisy’s Floral. Her business serves customers throughout Merced County, providing arrangements for a wide range of occasions and maintaining contracts with event planners for weddings and special events. A recent graduate of El Capitan High School, Sofia now attends Merced College and continues to grow her business, demonstrating both entrepreneurial spirit and strong business skills.

 

Additionally, Zach Hunter was recognized as a State Finalist in the Outdoor Recreation Proficiency category for his work with Hunter Farms Pumpkin Patch, further contributing to El Capitan FFA’s impressive showing at the state level.

 

“These accomplishments reflect the hard work, dedication, and passion of our students,” said Kaylyn Davenport, El Capitan Agriculture Department Chair. “Their success is a testament to their commitment to their projects and their growth as leaders within the agriculture industry. We are proud of the way they continue to grow and represent our program”

 

The California FFA State Leadership Conference brings together thousands of students from across the state to celebrate achievements, develop leadership skills, and gain career skills. A total of 31 El Capitan FFA members attended this year’s conference. The chapter’s success highlights the strength of Merced County’s agricultural programs and the bright future of its students.

 

Many Atwater High FFA members shined during the month of March as well as Atwater students earned top contest placings, state recognition, and regional leadership honors at different events in the state.

 

At Modesto Junior College’s annual FFA Field Day, which hosted more than 2,000 high school agriculture students competing in 20 skill-based contests, Atwater FFA turned in several strong performances. The Farm Business Management team of Oker Chargoy, Gannon Gossman, Marissa Vargas, and Armaan Pabla placed third overall, while the Vegetable team of Ailene Magana, Mailene Magana, Maria Avalos, and Elina Burroughs also earned a third-place finish.

 

The Milk Quality and Products team of Fatima Soto, Lola Alvarez, Marisol Duran-Lopez, and Brianna Robles placed fifth, and the Poultry team of Eric Villalobos, Johnna Quezada, Amorie Gutierrez, and Kedrick Morales finished seventh. Additional Atwater teams also competed well, with Nursery/Landscape placing 16th, Veterinary Science placing 14th, and Floral placing 21st.

 

At the 98th Annual State FFA Leadership Convention, held March 21–23 in Ontario and attended by more than 6,000 high school agriculture students, Atwater FFA members earned significant individual recognition. Senior Robert Williamson was recognized as a state finalist in Small Animal Production and Care. Senior Carson Borba was recognized as a state finalist in Goat Production, and junior Laurel Peterson was recognized in Forage Production. Atwater High School FFA advisor Shelby Fishman was also recognized as a California FFA Golden Owl Award finalist.

 

At the regional Parliamentary Procedure competition held March 27 in Ceres, both Atwater High School teams qualified for the state finals. The Advanced Parliamentary Procedure team of Gannon Gossman, Hallie Billings, Armaan Pabla, Iker Chargoy, Eric Villalobos, Amorie Gutierrez, and Grant Williamson placed third overall, while the Novice team of Soraya

Campbell, Jaime Ortiz, Jose Perez, Lola Alvarez, Lesley Rico-Paz, Dallas Couture, and Tatum Hoyt placed second.

 

At Reedley Middle College’s FFA Field Day on March 28, Atwater FFA continued its success as the Vegetable team placed fourth, the Nursery/Landscape team placed fifth, and the Veterinary Science team placed eighth.

 

Capping off the month, Atwater High School junior Gannon Gossman was elected Central Region South Area Vice President at the annual FFA Central Region Spring Meeting. In that role, he will help represent more than 30,000 high school agriculture students from Sacramento to Merced counties across 77 agricultural education programs.

 

“March was a tremendous month for our students and a reflection of their hard work, preparation, and commitment to excellence,” said Atwater FFA advisor Maddie Imhof. “We are proud of the way they continue to represent Atwater High School and our agriculture program at the highest levels.”

This information was submitted by both El Capitan and Atwater high school FFA.