Courtesy photo.
SANTA MARIA — Members of the Righetti FFA chapter were recently selected to compete for national recognition in a National FFA Poultry Career Development Event, National FFA Talent, and American FFA Degree at the 91st National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana on October 24-27, 2018.
The Righetti FFA Chapter sent six members to Indianapolis as they vied for national honors. FFA members who represented the chapter in the area of Poultry Evaluation included Brooke Barredo, Maximus Guerra, Jazzlynn Franco and Sonora Robertson. Advisor Amy Guerra, was “proud and excited to be representing California FFA nationally in such a competitive event area.”
Poultry evaluation is one of 25 career/leadership development event areas, covering jobs skills in everything from communications to mechanics. Members evaluate production, processing and merchandising phases of the poultry industry as well as identify various industry components. They are also tested on the application of sound management practices. Participants evaluate live birds, present oral reasons and place a class of ready-to-cook broilers. In the processing and merchandising phase of the event, members select and grade ready-to-cook turkeys, processed products and cartons of eggs. CDEs and LDEs help students develop the abilities to think critically communicate clearly and perform effectively in a competitive job market.
Righetti FFA graduate, Kayleigh Hollum who is currently in her first year at the University of Southern California was recognized as a National FFA Talent as she sang and played her guitar at the convention. Another Righetti FFA graduate, Alex Emerick who is currently in her second year at Fresno State University received her American FFA Degree, the highest degree the National FFA Organization can bestow upon its members. Less than one percent of FFA members receive their American FFA Degree. Two other students that received their degree but did not attend the convention included Gilbert Munoz and Brooke Minetti both in their second year at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.