Nearly 200 people were on hand to celebrate the achievements of the 2017-18 Lucerne Valley FFA and witness the yearly changing of the guard during the annual awards banquet on Monday, May 7 in the Sgt. Brian L. Walker Memorial Gymnasium.
The event, which was entitled “Limitless,” began with a dramatic introduction by officers and several others who one-by-one stood up and recited from the official opening ceremonies script. The opening ceremonies featured 2017-18 officers Diego Orozco (president), Hollie Lopez (vice-president), Sydnee Fox (secretary), Katelyn Miller (reporter) and Matthew Redding (sentinel). Following a welcome by the president, a delicious dinner that featured pork loin, baked potato, vegetables and numerous dessert choices. The meal was prepared by Food Service Manager Cindy Lattin-Oliveira and her staff.
Prior to handing out the awards, program advisers Mr. Troy Van Bavel and Ms. Danielle Hickman shared their thoughts on the FFA members’ accomplishments and how they demonstrate character and leadership.
“The FFA is more than just agriculture,” said Ms. Hickman who is finishing her second school year as an adviser. “Students in this organization develop skills that are vital to their everyday lives.”
Many awards were handed out with Diego Orozco winning the Mustang Ag Award.
The retiring chapter officers each gave speeches followed the announcement of the officers for 2018-19. They are: Hollie Lopez (president), Katelyn Miller (vice-president), Jesus Alcazar (secretary), Matthew Redding (treasurer), Tatum Fox (reporter) and Omar Orozco (sentinel).
Highlights for the 2017-18 Lucerne Valley FFA:
State Degree Recipients: Diego Orozco, William Smith, Sydnee Fox, Conor Weis, Garrett Hoskin, Marlen Cortez, Joseph Salbino, Jody Evans and Sara Smith.
High Desert Section Opening and Closing Ceremonies: 1st Place Novice Team, 3rd Place Novice Team; Jesus Alcazar 1st Place President; Rio Sandoval 1st Place Vice-President; Tatum Fox 1st Place Secretary; Reyanne McDonald 1st Place Treasurer; Jacqueline Jimenez 1st Place Reporter; Omar Orozco 3rd Place President; Abizain Alcala 4th Place Vice-President; Ruby Thompson 2nd Place Secretary; Alyssa Grizzle 2nd Place Treasurer; Skylar Simonek 2nd Place Reporter.
High Desert Section Speaking Contest: Creed: Jesus Alcazar 1st Place, Impromptu: Walter Williams, Katelyn Miller, Korinna Medina 3rd Place; Matthew Redding 2nd Place; Job Interview: Marlen Cortez, Esmeralda Alcazar, Jody Evans, Holly Lopez
Southern Regional Speaking Finalists: Jesus Alcazar, Korinna Medina, Hollie Lopez and Matthew Redding