Last Thursday Mr. Ricards along with several FFA members attended the Greenhand Conference in Canoga Park. The Greenhand Conference is designed to introduce students to all the opportunities and activities that FFA has to offer. Ideally the students will finish the year with their Greenhand Degree. There are specific requirements in earning the Greenhand FFA Degree. Each student must have a plan for their SAE project and be enrolled in an Ag. Class. During class time and meetings, they should learn the FFA creed, motto and mission statement. Throughout the year the students should develop an understanding of the history of FFA and its bylaws. When I asked Kaileigh Carpenter, ‘14, about the conference she explained to me that she met a lot of nice people and was impressed that the conference was not just about FFA, but how to succeed in life. Zahydie Martin, ‘12, enjoyed the team building activities; one of which included being on a team where they would periodically yell out their team chant, and whoever was the loudest earned points. While talking with Hailee Smith, ‘13, she said she really enjoyed that the conference leaders made them sit with students they didn’t know which helped her meet new people. It was obvious after talking with Jennifer Martin, ‘13, that the conference was a positive experience for her. She was so impressed by the conference that she asked Mr. Ricards to sign her up for every future FFA conference. It was good to hear that this year’s Greenhand Conference was enjoyed by all who attended.
At the Fillmore vs. Santa Paula 100th football game FFA members kept busy helping with the Tri-Tip BBQ and selling popcorn. Fillmore FFA would like to extend a special thank-you to Laura Beylik for donating the popcorn maker and popcorn for our first ever popcorn sale.

Brooke Aguirre is the Fillmore FFA Chapter Reporter