Your story unfolds, that was the theme for the 84th Annual California State FFA Leadership Conference. Fifteen students from the Fillmore FFA where among the nearly 5000 guests that participated in general sessions, competitive events, educational tours, leadership workshops and a career show and expo held at the convention.

At the opening session Melvin Adams, former Harlem Globetrotter and motivational speaker entertained us with his energy and humor while delivering his message to always try no matter how hard the task might seem. Entertaining us also was the State FFA band. Fillmore FFA was proud to have one of our own selected to be in the band this year. Hailee Smith auditioned and was chosen as a member playing the bass clarinet. An important part of the state convention is voting on amendments as well as electing the six individuals to represent California FFA the following year as State Officers. Each chapter throughout California must send two delegates. Alexus Galassi 13' and Brandon Pina 12' undertook this serious responsibility and served as Fillmore FFA delegates. At the convention the proficiency awards were announced. The Agricultural Proficiency Awards honor members who through their SAE's have developed specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers. Brooke Aguirre 13' was the State winner for the Agricultural Communication Proficiency Award and will now have the opportunity to compete at the National level. Brooke also was a member of the State Press Corp during the convention. At the closing session retiring State President Nicole Billington, encouraged the members to open their eyes to all the possibilities of life and to not dwell on mistakes made. The convention ended with the election of the new State FFA officer team as blue and gold streamers shot into the air. Fillmore FFA members would like to thank Mr. Ricards, Alishia Duncan, Kathleen Aguirre and Denise Berrington for driving and chaperoning. Also a big thank you to the Fillmore FFA Boosters for their support. Fillmore FFA would like to invite the community to join us this Saturday from 7:00 -10:00 am for a pancake breakfast at the Veterans Memorial Building . Tickets sold at the door $5.00 Sausage, eggs, OJ, coffee and all you can eat pancakes.

<1>Brooke Aguirre is Fillmore FFA's Chapter Reporter