Fillmore FFA members have been busy showing off their leadership skills! Several weeks ago, Mr. Ricards and chaperone Kathleen Aguirre took twelve students to Monterey Bay to attend the Made For Excellence (MFE) and Advanced Leadership Academy (ALA). The six members who attended MFE were able to identify personal strengths and weaknesses that will help them become more adequate leaders. Students participated in team competitions which involved teamwork and communication skills. MFE focuses on growing leadership skills whereas ALA teaches students the importance of the agriculture industry, as well as issues that affect today’s agriculture. As an added educational experience, the Fillmore FFA members were able to explore the Monterey Bay Aquarium that houses nearly 200 exhibits.

On Wednesday February 15, fifteen FFA members competed at the Ventura FFA Section Speech Contest held at Camarillo High School. Students competed in contests including a CO-OP Quiz, Prepared Public Speaking, Creed, Extemporaneous Speaking, Impromptu, and Job Interview. After everyone competed, the students played different ice breaker games to calm everyone’s nerves while the judges tabulated the scores. The award ceremony brought great news for Fillmore FFA! The results are as follows: CO-OP Quiz 4th place Sierra Blankenship, 2nd place Ryan Calderon; Impromptu 2nd place Sal Lopez; Job Interview 2nd place Brooke Aguirre, 1st place Alexus Galassi. Congratulations to everyone who had the courage to compete!

Brooke Aguirre is FFA's Chapter Reporter