Dulce Hernandez Reyes and Isabel Silva proudly show their California FFA State Leadership awards. (Courtesy photo)
Dulce Hernandez Reyes and Isabel Silva proudly show their California FFA State Leadership awards. (Courtesy photo)

Dulce Hernandez Reyes and Isabel Silva, students from the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHSD), were recognized on stage and awarded State Champion titles at the 98th California FFA State Leadership Conference in Ontario, California recently.

The award is one of the highest honors presented by the National FFA organization. Their achievements in the FFA Proficiency Award program highlight exceptional student leadership, technical skill, and real-world agricultural entrepreneurship, the district said.

Reyes, a member of the Pioneer Valley FFA chapter, was named State Champion in Specialty Crop Production for her innovative and culturally significant marigold enterprise.

Reyes grows an acre of marigolds on her family’s farm Costa May Farm, producing flowers specifically for Día de los Muertos and selling them directly to consumers.

“Her achievement continues a remarkable family legacy; she is the third state proficiency champion from her family,” school officials said.

Silva, a senior from the Santa Maria FFA chapter, earned the title of State Champion in Vegetable Production for her work on her family farm.

Through her project, she developed a comprehensive understanding of agricultural production, including seed propagation, transplanting, irrigation management, weed control, fertilization, harvesting, and direct sales.

“Winning this state FFA award has made me feel so proud and accomplished,” said Silva.

The FFA Proficiency Award program recognizes students who excel in Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects. Students must do the following:

Maintain detailed financial and production records.
Develop and manage real-world agricultural enterprises.
Demonstrate technical skill development and industry knowledge.
Compile and submit a comprehensive portfolio evaluated at the state level.
Interview with industry partners and stakeholders at State Convention.

“These awards represent the highest level of student achievement in agricultural pathways, combining academics, career readiness, and entrepreneurship,” the district said.