In late October, many Escalon FFA members traveled across the country to the 99th National FFA Convention.

A small group of students as well as the Agronomy Team traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana, to attend the convention. The Agronomy Team competed at the National level after winning first place in state. The Escalon Agronomy team consists of Matix Trimble, Caroline Vieira, Rebecca Wampler, and Juan Navarro. After lots of hard work and a very competitive contest, they placed eighth in the nation. Juan Navarro also received the Certified Crop Advisor Apprentice Award. This award recognized students who scored 70% or higher on the exam portion. Huge congratulations to all Agronomy Team members.

In addition, two FFA members were able to receive their American Degree this year. The convention marked this major achievement for two Escalon FFA Members, EHS grads Tryden Rice and Destiny Reyes, who both earned their American FFA Degree. Rice completed his degree through Firehouse Farms, his small animal entrepreneurship project focused on breeding mini Rex rabbits. Reyes gained experience through several agricultural projects and opportunities, including breeding Nigerian dwarf dairy goats, raising market swine, interning with the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau, and working as a research assistant at UC Davis.

Earning the American FFA Degree is a significant accomplishment, with fewer than 1% of FFA members nationwide receiving this honor.

Congratulations to all the Escalon FFA members for their hard work and achievements.

This article was provided by Escalon FFA members Juan Navarro and Sofia DaSilva.