With a new crop of freshman students to join their ranks, the Escalon FFA hosted its first meeting of the school year on Aug. 29, with a ‘welcome back’ barbecue for students, information for parents and a rundown of the activities for the organization.

The officer team for the 2018-19 Escalon FFA includes President Scott Terpstra, Vice President Danny Bava, Secretary Jack Fitzgerald, Treasurer Austin Terra, Reporter Trenton Nascimento, Sentinel Noah Rast and Historian Megan Rocha.

“We really appreciate you all being here,” President Terpstra told the huge crowd of students assembled in the cafeteria on the EHS campus. “We’re very excited with the freshman base.”

A number of reports were on the agenda as well, ranging from the participation in this summer’s AgFest at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds to the efforts of assisting with fireworks sales to benefit the organization, partnering with the Escalon American Legion.

Reporter Nascimento told the group that during the summer, several officers and FFA advisors attended a three-day event to plan out activities for the chapter for the year.

“We’re really excited for this year and we hope you guys are too,” Nascimento said.

While the FFA was having its first business meeting, parents of the newest FFA members were meeting with ag advisors and learning more about the program and what the requirements are for student participation. They also learned about different fundraisers scheduled throughout the year, with a Rubber Duck race, a Dive Though BBQ, cookie dough sales and more planned.

Also, the students were treated to a dinner of barbecued hot dogs and grilled corn on the cob, then adjourned to participate in or watch a dodgeball tournament, hosted outside the ag department buildings.

Advisor Gypsy Stark said the Escalon FFA has always been among the top performing organizations in the region and they hope to continue with that streak.

“We expect nothing less than excellence,” Stark said.