Santa Maria High's FFA officer team wearing their logo jackets stand against a fence in a rural setting. (Courtesy photo)
Santa Maria High's FFA officer team Kayce Van Horn,  left, Ariel Parra, Melanie Castillo Leyva, Melissa Ramirez, Victoria Sanchez, Aaron Richards, Emma Rodriguez and David Guerra. (Courtesy photo)

Santa Maria High School’s FFA has been named the No. 1 chapter in California for 2024.

Each year, some 360 California FFA chapters are ranked based on their members’ achievements. Key areas include the number of American and State FFA degrees earned; state-winning Proficiency Awards; state champions in Career Development Events; and FFA Executive Team.

In the last school year (2024), Santa Maria High School FFA students earned 11 American FFA degrees, 41 state degrees, one State Champion Land Evaluation team; six Regional Proficiency qualifiers; three State Proficiency qualifiers; one State Winning Proficiency; one National Proficiency qualifier; and an Executive Team member.

“These achievements are reflection of the hard work and dedication of the Santa Maria FFA members and the nine agriculture teachers, who have invested significant amounts of time and effort into all areas of agriculture education,” said ag teacher Shannon Powell.

“This includes supervised agricultural experiences, leadership development, Career Development Events and community service,” Powell said.

“I feel extremely grateful to know I am a part of the number one ranked chapter in California, especially knowing I contributed to this achievement by applying for an equine proficiency, being on a CDE team, doing community service and being a part of the leadership team,” said student Emma Rodriguez, a senior.

“Before coming into this program, I did not have much to look forward to, but through FFA I realized that it is not just about attending meetings or being involved, it is more about what you give back to the community who you become as a person,” said senior student Gregorio Martinez-Garcia.

“The strength of Santa Maria FFA lies in the dedication of its members, teachers, and the support of our community,” said Mark Powell, department chair.

“This recognition is not just a reflection of our success, but a celebration of the hard work, passion, and growth that defines our chapter,” he said.

Santa Maria FFA was established in 1931, currently has nine agriculture teachers and 1,050 FFA members.