2023 Gustine FFA Banquet

By: Isabella Cortez, Gustine FFA Reporter

On May 23, 2023, the Gustine FFA Chapter held their 85th Annual banquet at the AlGoman Community Center. Our hard working members received recognition for their many accomplishments throughout this school year. Awards were received, scholarships were given, and heart-felt speeches were shared. The night began with 4th place Sectional Creed Speaker, Isabella Cortez, who recited The FFA Creed, followed by Gustine’s first ever state qualifier Spanish FFA Creed speaker, Oscar Vergara. Gustine FFA then had the honor of hearing words of advice from the 2022-2023 California FFA State Sentinel, Morgan Oliveira, whose message was that small steps can lead to great progress and to never give up. Four members were then recognized for their hard work and determination towards FFA. The Star Greenhand Award was given to Baylor Bloom and Emilia Galindo recognizing their accomplishments in their first year as an FFA member. The Star Chapter Farmer Award was given to a distinguished sophomore, Ayden Pacheco. The Workhorse Award is given to a member who was hardworking and dependable throughout their four years of highschool. This was awarded to Darian Nunes. A highly involved Gustine FFA individual was awarded the Honorary Chapter Degree award which symbolizes someone who provides exceptional service to agricultural education. This individual being Trinten Cordeiro. Afterwards eight freshmen were awarded the opportunity to attend the FFA National Convention in Indianapolis and a trip to Washington DC for demonstrating the most involvement towards Gustine FFA this year. The freshmen are, Baylor Bloom, Isabella Cortez, Emilia Galindo, Delaney Medeiros, Michelle Nunes, Josie Nunes, Nick Ventura, and Madeline Villnow. Now ladies and gentlemen, the moment you’ve been waiting for, the 2023-2024 Gustine FFA Chapter Officer Team. Drum roll please! Delaney Medeiros serving as Historian, Alfred Nunes serving as Sentinel, Isabella Cortez serving as reporter, Socorro Mendoza serving as Treasurer, Baylor Bloom serving as Secretary, Antonio Hermosillo serving as Vice President and Mikayla Silveira serving as President. The Gustine FFA Chapter would like to thank the parents and community for supporting the organization and believing in the members’ ability to strive toward success. A huge congratulations to all the members who received recognition for their hard work and accomplishments. We look forward to the growth of our new Gustine FFA Chapter Officer team. In addition, the Gustine FFA Chapter would like to wish Austin Bell an exciting new year as the California State FFA President. The Gustine FFA Chapter will miss this past 2023 graduating class and their dedication to serve the National FFA organization, Gustine High School, and community. May the graduating class go on to accomplish great things. Here’s to the 2022-2023 All-in year!