By NATHAN WATSON
Escalon FFA Reporter
The past several weeks have been busy ones for the local FFA chapter.
Escalon FFA members cleaned house at the Delta Valley Speaking Contest. On February 2, Escalon FFA members participated in the Delta Valley Sectional Speaking Contest at Merrill F. West High School in Tracy. At this leadership development event, students had the opportunity to demonstrate their carefully honed public speaking skills and take home top awards. Briley Silva placed first in Creed Speaking and second in Best Informed Greenhand. Steven Fenton placed third in Creed, Yazmin Castro-Esquivel placed first in Spanish Creed, Andrea Perez placed fifth in Spanish Creed, Trenton Silva placed third in Extemporaneous Speaking, and Nathan Watson placed first in Job Interview. Not only did the students perform that night for the judges, but they also worked diligently with their ag advisors in the weeks leading up to the contest to develop their research skills for the Prepared speaking contest, delivery for the Creed and Spanish Creed, improvisation for the Impromptu and Extemporaneous contests, and confidence for the Job Interview. All of these members were able to showcase their skills, hard work, and dedication, and many will be able to advance to regional-level competitions.
In addition to the speaking contest, Escalon FFA has begun preparing for its spring season activities, as its career development teams gear up for contests. The chapter offers students numerous opportunities to develop skills they can carry into their future careers. These teams include Ag Pest Control, Parliamentary Procedure and Debate, Livestock Evaluation, Vegetable and Crop Judging, Agronomy, Food Science, Welding, and Agricultural Mechanics. Students learn essential life skills across food, plant, animal, and mechanical systems. Members also exhibit strong teamwork and collaboration, as well as healthy competition, at field days hosted by colleges throughout California, including MJC, UC Davis, CSU Chico, and Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
Adding to their successes this season, the Escalon FFA Parliamentary Procedure team recently competed at the Bakersfield College Parliamentary Procedure Contest, where they earned First High Team overall. Individually, Mia Fernandes, Dominic Rissetto, Trenton Silva, and Caroline Vieira were each recognized as High Individuals, further highlighting the depth of talent within the chapter.
Escalon FFA members also made a strong showing at the Chico State/Butte College Field Day, bringing home multiple team and individual honors. The Agronomy team earned First Place Team honors at the event. Matix Trimble was named First High Individual, Caroline Vieira placed Third High Individual, and Rebecca Wampler earned Fourth High Individual recognition. Angel Rodriguez also contributed to the team’s success. The Ag Pest Control team matched that accomplishment by earning First Place Team honors as well. Nathan Watson was named First High Individual, Tyliann Holback placed Fourth High Individual, and Kyla Holback played a key role in the team’s overall performance.
Finally, Escalon High Senior Wyatt Hackney was recently recognized with a regional proficiency award in the category of Ag Processing. He will be advancing to the state contest in mid-March. All of these Career and Leadership development events provide FFA students with opportunities to prepare for the future and embody Escalon High School’s vision of ensuring every student is college- or career-ready. We are excited to see what this spring season brings as Escalon FFA continues to impress.
