Session Three, “Awakening Leaders,” brought a powerful close to the day as members returned to the arena energized and ready to celebrate excellence at the 2026 California FFA State Leadership Conference.
State FFA Officers Noah Kamea Stanisai, Ryan Taylor, and Daren Deftereos chaired the session, opening with ceremonies that set a tone of recognition, reflection, and inspiration.
Members first heard Foundation remarks from Mrs. Kristi Mattes, highlighting the impact of supporter contributions and the continued growth of opportunities within agricultural education thanks to these partners.
The session then transitioned into the presentation of Honorary State FFA Degrees, recognizing individuals who have made lasting contributions to agriculture and FFA. This year’s recipients included Dr. Jeffery Armstrong, Judy Aschwanden, Cari Brown, Elaine Gold, Roger Hanagriff, Tracy Kibly, Ben Meyer, Kari Roose, Jasmine Standridge, Heather Thomas, Dr. Erika Tores, and Gary Weisenberger.
Distinguished Service Awards were also presented to organizations and supporters who have gone above and beyond to advance agricultural education, including the California Milk Advisory Board, Mosaic, Judging Card, The AET, Righetti FFA, and SC Online.
Top educators were recognized through the Golden Owl Award, sponsored by Nationwide and the California Farm Bureau, with Russell Zimmerman of Nipomo named this year’s winner. Zimmerman was honored for his excellence in agricultural education and dedication to student success.
The session continued with the Agriscience Awards, celebrating innovation and research among FFA members across the state. Notable winners included:
- Discovery Individual: Angel Casas, Los Banos Middle FFA
- Discovery Team: Malachi Fuentes & Adrian Pagaza, Los Banos Middle FFA
- Novice Individual: Danniella Romo, Temecula–St. Jeanne Catholic FFA
- Novice Team: Austin Macias & Thomas Cornelio, Temecula–St. Jeanne Catholic FFA
- Advanced Individual: Miranda Moya, Clovis–Clovis East FFA
- Advanced Team: Journey & Felicity Penterman, St. Helena FFA
State Champion Agriscience Fair Teams were also recognized with silver bowls:
- Discovery: Turlock Christian FFA
- Novice: St. Helena FFA
- Advanced: Hanford FFA
The regional competition continued with a cup stacking challenge, where Kimberly from the San Joaquin Region took first place, earning four points for her region. This victory pushed San Joaquin into the lead, with the Central Region close behind by just one point.
Members then heard from National FFA Secretary Lilly Nyland of Michigan, who encouraged attendees to step into leadership with confidence, purpose, and a willingness to grow. She reminded members to “run what we brung and hope it’s enough,” emphasizing authenticity and perseverance.
One of the most anticipated moments of the session was the announcement of the State Star Awards, recognizing the top Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects in California. This year’s winners are:
- State Star in Agriscience: Riley Piehl, Santa Rosa FFA
- State Star in Agribusiness: Baylor Bloom, Gustine FFA
- State Star in Agricultural Placement: Peyton Heermance, Bret Harte FFA
- State Star Small Farmer: Gauge Goehring, Galt FFA
- State Star Farmer: Madysen Dietz, Merced–El Capitan FFA
The session concluded with a heartfelt retiring address from State FFA Reporter Tessa Camacho. Reflecting on her year of service, she encouraged members to embrace who they are and find a community that supports their authentic selves, reminding them, “Set the rules aside. Be who you are. The only rule you should follow is to find friends who love you as you are—because you are enough.”
The next Pin Drop was announced, with the “On ’Til Dawn” pin available by visiting booths throughout the On ‘Til Dawn celebration.
Session Three wrapped up with closing ceremonies, leaving members inspired and looking ahead to the next day of the conference, with Session Four beginning at 9:00 a.m. Monday morning.
