Santa Maria FFA students pictured standing in front of a large tree, are, front row: Adeline Cruz, left, Evoleth Barragan, Melanie Castillo, Anahi Nuñez, Samantha Santos; back row: Ariel Parra, left, Aaron Richards and Zachary Bradley. (Courtesy photo)
Santa Maria FFA students are, front row: Adeline Cruz, left, Evoleth Barragan, Melanie Castillo, Anahi Nuñez, Samantha Santos; back row: Ariel Parra, left, Aaron Richards and Zachary Bradley. (Courtesy photo)

Santa Maria FFA has been named the No. 1 FFA Chapter in California for the second consecutive year, the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHSD) has announced.

Each year, more than 360 California FFA chapters are evaluated and ranked based on member achievement by the California FFA Association.

Areas of evaluation include the number of American and State FFA degrees earned; state-winning proficiency awards; state champions in Career Development events; and representation on the FFA Executive Team.

In 2025, Santa Maria FFA members earned 11 American FFA degrees and 26 State FFA degrees; two State Champion titles in Poultry Evaluation and Agriculture Pest; two State Winning Proficiency awards; two National Proficiency Gold-Finalist; and a National Finalist Team in Poultry Evaluation.

“It is hard to say enough about Santa Maria High School’s FFA team,” said Santa Maria High School Principal Steve Campbell. “These teachers and their students continue to reach such amazing heights that it’s hard to give them enough accolades.

“To be named the No. 1 chapter in the state of California, for two straight years is unheard of. Great job teachers and students, so proud.”

“Being named No. 1 FFA Chapter for 2025 is a reflection of the hours of dedication and hard work our members have done,” said Melanie Castillo, a senior. “Serving as the Santa Maria FFA president this year and receiving this honor is something I’ll never forget.”

“As result of the dedication from our members, we have been able to be awarded this title two years in a row. It’s truly so rewarding to see our hard work pay off,” said Adeline Cruz, a senior.

“We have amazing students in our program that work hard both in the agriculture classrooms and in the FFA organization,” said Shannon Powell.

“To be recognized as the number one FFA program in California for the second year in a row is a testament to the passion for agriculture and FFA that we see in our students, the dedication of our teachers, and the support from our community and school district,” Powell said.

Also recognized as a Top 10 agriculture program in California is Pioneer Valley FFA.

Santa Maria FFA currently has nine agriculture teachers and 1,000 FFA members.