Honoring Charles Parker’s 45 Years of Service

By Viviana Velazquez, Reporter, Bear River FFA Chapter & 2025 State FFA Conference Press Corps Member

After more than four decades of dedicated service to California FFA, Charles Parker is retiring from his role as State FFA Advisor and Program Manager for Agricultural Education at the California Department of Education. His retirement marks the close of a remarkable chapter—one defined by a career that has impacted thousands of students, educators, and agricultural communities across the state.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California FFA Foundation, in partnership with Nationwide and the California Farm Bureau, has announced Marc DeBernardi, an agricultural teacher at Santa Maria High School, as California’s 2024-2025 “Ag Educator of the Year.”

The 2024–2025 California FFA State Officer Team spent the past year traveling the state, visiting chapters, advocating for agricultural education, and helping students grow as leaders. Their service has made a lasting impact on thousands of members, and during the State Leadership Conference, each officer had the opportunity to share their retiring address—a personal reflection on the journey, lessons learned, and gratitude for those who helped along the way.

Closing Session: Forge Your Future (April 6, 2025)

Hosted by the CA FFA State Secretary and State Sentinel

Special Remarks: Hugh Mooney, Assistant State FFA Advisor

Session Six: Fueling the Flame (April 5, 2025)

Hosted by the CA FFA State Treasurer and State Sentinel

Keynote Speaker: Abigale Jacobsen, National FFA Western Regional Vice President

Session Five: Radiating Success (April 5, 2025)

Hosted by the CA FFA State Treasurer, State Secretary, and State President

Keynote Speaker: Fiona Ma, California State Treasurer

Agricultural Proficiency Awards honor FFA members who, through supervised agricultural experiences, have developed specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers. Proficiency winners were announced at each of the three sessions throughout the day.

Proficiency Award Winners:

The 97th Annual State FFA Leadership Conference featured dynamic workshop sessions, offering participants more than 50 workshop topics to choose from. This year's workshops were packed with opportunities for connection, growth, and hands-on learning. Here’s a glimpse at just a few of the exciting sessions available to attendees:

Session Four: Transforming Ag (April 5, 2025)

Hosted by the CA FFA State Vice President and State Secretary

Keynote Speakers: Abigale Jacobsen, National FFA Western Region Vice President and Heather Thomas, California Agricultural Teachers' Association President