Adriana Ybarra
Liberty Ranch FFA
Sep 5, 2025
The start of a new school year has brought excitement, energy, and renewed purpose for our local FFA chapter, which kicked off in August with a full slate of activities and achievements. This year’s theme, “Anchored with Purpose,” encourages members to approach every opportunity with intention, dedication, and a passion for service. To start the year strong, the chapter hosted its annual Carnival Kick-Off Meeting on August 20th. The event drew more than 230 students, including both returning members and new faces eager to learn more about FFA. Hosted on campus, the carnival-themed meeting featured games, prizes, and an overview of what FFA is all about, from leadership and career development to community involvement and agricultural education.
“Our Ag Leadership class worked hard all week to plan this event,” said Chapter Reporter Bella Dulinsky. “We wanted to create a fun and welcoming environment where new members could feel included and excited to be a part of something bigger.”
The month also brought leadership development opportunities for chapter and sectional officers. On August 16th, Chapter President Abby Woods attended the Sectional Officer Leadership Conference (SOLC), where she joined fellow officers from across the Sacramento Section for a weekend of team-building and skill sharpening. “Being part of SOLC gave me a chance to grow not only as a leader but also as a teammate,” Woods shared. “I came back feeling more confident and more connected with the mission of our section and the goals we’ve set for this year.”
In addition to welcoming new members and building leadership capacity, the chapter is also celebrating major individual and chapter-level accomplishments. Former member and current alumni Taylor Klein has earned the prestigious American FFA Degree, the highest honor awarded by the National FFA Organization. Fewer than 1% of FFA members nationwide receive this award, which recognizes outstanding achievements in supervised agricultural experiences, leadership, and community service. Taylor will receive her degree in October at the National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana. “Taylor is a true example of what it means to stay committed and passionate about agricultural education,” said chapter advisor Ms. Foster. “We’re incredibly proud of her and all that she’s accomplished.”
Adding to the chapter’s list of achievements, the program has also been named a Two-Star National Chapter Award recipient for 2025. This award recognizes FFA chapters that
demonstrate excellence in three key areas: student development, chapter development, and community development. It is one of the highest honors a chapter can receive from the National FFA Organization.
Representing the chapter at the National FFA Convention in October will be Bella Dulinsky, Chapter Reporter, and Ray Bradley, Agricultural Advocacy Committee Chair. Both students will walk across the national stage to accept the award on behalf of the chapter. “These recognitions reflect the dedication of every student, advisor, and supporter involved in our program,” said Ray Bradley. “It’s about more than just agriculture, it’s about leadership, service, and building a future we can be proud of.” With a theme of purposeful engagement and a calendar full of events, competitions, and service projects, the chapter is ready for a meaningful and memorable school year.