Front Row Left to Right, Paola Zarate, Marina Cuevas, Marissa Arias, Back Row Left to Right, Sergio Segura, Miguel Perez, Marc Cabeliza, Nick Vasquez, Moises Novoa. Courtesy photo.
SANTA MARIA — Seven representatives of the Pioneer Valley FFA will move on to the final step in the election process to represent the South Coast Region as Officers on March 22, 2019.
They will deliver their nominating speech to the delegation in hopes of attaining enough votes to be announced a 2018-2019 South Coast Regional Officer.
The students that will be representing the district in King City in hope of being elected for Regional office are Nick Vasquez, slated for Regional President, Marina Cuevas, slated for Vice President at large, Miguel Perez and Marc Cabeliza slated for Santa Barbara Section Vice President, Sergio Segura, slated for Regional Treasurer, Paola Zarate, slated for Regional Reporter, and Marissa Arias, slated for Regional Sentinel.
This marks a historic effort by these students that represent the Pioneer Valley FFA, according to Agriculture Teacher Gabriel Ponce.
“This is the most candidates that Pioneer Valley FFA has ever taken to interview, let alone be slated for Regional Office,’’ he said. “The Ag Leadership Program at PVHS is an example of what Agriculture Classes and being involved in FFA can do for students. The skills, lessons, and values that these students have learned through their involvement in FFA will prepare them for their future regardless of what career they choose to pursue. Taking an Ag Class is much more than a class, it welcomes the possibilities of personal growth, premier leadership, and career success. FFA is where its’ at!”
Being elected and serving as South Coast Regional Officer is a huge yearlong responsibility,’’ Ponce added.
“These students invest months of leadership training and preparation in order to best serve the members of our region,’’ he said. “They represent the thousands of students from our region that spans San Jose to Los Angeles. They are elected by members for the members to a year of service and leadership responsibilities. After a two-day process at Cuesta College in Paso Robles, the PV FFA was able to have seven students slated for six positions. The PV FFA will represent the district in King City with the hopes of having Regional Officers elected for the third year in a row.’’
Baileigh Ruiz, senior and Chapter President says, “I am really proud of the accomplishments made by my fellow Ag Leadership classmates. This goes to show the positive impact that FFA can have on us as students. I wish them the best of luck and have confidence that they will represent our school, FFA, and our district to the best of their abilities.”