FFA programs at three high schools stocked up hundreds of pounds of food for the needy before the holiday break.
Canned goods were donated to Santa Maria Valley organizations in need before Christmas. Food was earmarked for St. Louis de Montfort Church and the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County. The food drive was part of the annual Santa Maria Joint Union High School District FFA Christmas meeting, where more than 600 students participated.
Pioneer FFA adviser Hector Guerra described the event in a district press release. He said the environment was one in which helping those in need and promoting community service dominated conversations.
“The event always seems to bring out the best in our young people,” he said. “Not just because of the competitive aspect between the schools, but mainly because it is a chance to visit with all the schools in a fun environment.”
Intramural games involving Pioneer Valley, Santa Maria, and Ernest Righetti high schools were a highlight of the event. Those games included an eggnog chugging contest, sleigh races, tree decorating, and a snow pole climb.
Schools were awarded points for every first-, second-, or third-place finish. Pioneer Valley championed the events and claimed the trophy—a plate of metal with a twisted rod shaped like a Christmas tree. The FFA emblem takes the place of a star, at the top of the tree.
This article appears in Jan 2-9, 2014.