California Ag Network

Tag: career success

  • California FFA Foundation Supporters Recognized at 2025 National Convention

    California FFA is proud to celebrate a distinguished group of leaders, educators, and supporters recognized at the 2025 National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. This year, 22 California FFA Honorary American FFA Degree recipients were awarded, along with one recipient of the VIP citation.

    The Honorary American FFA Degree is awarded to individuals who have provided exceptional service at the national level to agriculture, agricultural education, or FFA. Recipients include educators, industry partners, community leaders, and advocates who go above and beyond to support FFA members and agricultural education programs. Individuals honored with the VIP citation have dedicated 20 years of service to FFA and agricultural education on a national level.

    Of the 22 individuals recognized nationally, four were nominated by the California FFA Foundation for their continued support of its mission to secure resources and partnerships that create opportunities for students across the state. This year’s California FFA Foundation honorees include Jenny Nicolau and Rebecca Bailey of the Almond Board of California; Emily Rooney, California FFA Foundation Board Member and Ag Council of California President; and Toni Lindeleaf, past California FFA Foundation Board Member. Additionally, Charles Parker, who recently retired from his role as State Supervisor for Agricultural Education and State FFA Advisor, received National FFA’s VIP Citation.

    “California FFA is strengthened by leaders who believe in students and serve as advocates for agricultural education across our state,” said Matt Patton, executive director of the California FFA Foundation. “These Honorary American FFA Degree and VIP Citation recipients have helped create opportunity, mentorship, and hands-on learning for FFA members across our state, and we are pleased to see their efforts recognized at the national level.”

    In addition to this year’s Foundation honorees, California FFA is proud to acknowledge the remaining Honorary American FFA Degree recipients: Mike Albiani, Joe Buffington, Sara Carney, Amber Charter, Peggy Flynn, Amanda Galan, JessaLee Goehring, Wesley Hunt, Amy Jacobsen, Johan Jacobsen, Julie Luxon, Celeste Morino, Jenny Lynn Oilar-Svejda, Gregory Osmundson, Mayra Osmundson, Jon Sellenrick, Lisa Wright and Mark Wright.

    About California Association, FFA, and the California FFA Foundation: The California Association, FFA, serves more than 108,000 students, developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. The California FFA Foundation supports these efforts by securing resources and partnerships that make these opportunities possible for students statewide. To learn more about the California FFA, visit calaged.org.

    Facebook: @CaliforniaFFA | LinkedIn: @California-FFA-Association | Instagram: @californiaffa | TikTok: @officialcaliforniaffa

  • California FFA Launches John Justin “Standard of the West” Scholarship Award with Justin Boots

    California FFA is excited to announce the launch of the John Justin “Standard of the West” Award, a new scholarship opportunity made possible through a partnership with Justin Boots.

    The “Standard of the West” Award is designed to celebrate FFA seniors who exemplify the spirit of agriculture by demonstrating integrity, honesty, perseverance, helpfulness, a strong work ethic, academic achievement, and consistent school attendance.

    Each year, one student from each of California FFA’s six regions will be selected as a state finalist. Finalists will receive a product-gift certificate, a plaque, and a $500 scholarship. Among these finalists, one state winner will be chosen and recognized on stage during the annual California FFA State Leadership Conference. The state winner will be awarded a product-gift certificate, a plaque, and a $2,500 scholarship. In addition, the advisor(s) of the state winner will be presented with a certificate for a pair of full-quill ostrich boots, courtesy of Justin Boots.

    Applications opened October 1 and are available to any California FFA senior who meets the organization’s scholarship requirements. Interested members are encouraged to apply through the California FFA scholarship portal.

    “We are proud to launch the John Justin ‘Standard of the West’ Scholarship Award in partnership with Justin Boots,” said Katie Otto, executive director of development at the California FFA Foundation. “This award honors FFA members who exemplify excellence in academics, leadership, and service. Justin Boots supports FFA’s mission of cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders, and together we’re recognizing outstanding members who uphold these values.”

    For more information and to access the application, visit apply.mykaleidoscope.com/program/CAFFA2026.

    About California Association, FFA, and the California FFA Foundation: The California Association, FFA, serves more than 108,000 students, developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. The California FFA Foundation supports these efforts by securing resources and partnerships that make these opportunities possible for students statewide. To learn more about the California FFA, visit calaged.org.

    Facebook: @CaliforniaFFA | LinkedIn: @California-FFA-Association | Instagram: @californiaffa | TikTok: @officialcaliforniaffa

    About Justin: Justin is a brand of Western footwear, apparel, and accessories that was founded in 1879 by H.J. Justin. The company is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, and produces a variety of boots for both men and women, including cowboy boots, work boots, and casual shoes. Justin also offers a wide range of men’s, women’s and kids apparel and accessories, including cowboy hats, jeans, belts, handbags, and more. Justin is known for its high-quality craftsmanship and use of premium materials, and has a reputation for being a trusted brand in the western market. For more information, visit justinboots.com.

    Facebook: @JustinBoots | Twitter: @JustinBoots | Instagram: @JustinBoots_ | TikTok: @justin_boots