What Is...
Our Mission: To empower students to reach their potential for greatness and enable them to do the same for others
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This Year's Theme: EMPOWER
The FFA
The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a youth leadership organization with a focus on the agriculture industry.
The mission of the FFA at large is FFA is, "To make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education". This is accomplished through the FFA Motto, which encapsulates the organization's philosophy, "Learning to Do - Doing to Learn - Earning to Live - Living to Serve", and the Three-Ring Model of agriculture education.​
The National FFA Organization is made up of associations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each association is then made up of local chapters which may be further organized into sections and regions. Holtville FFA is a chapter of the California FFA Association, within the Imperial Section of the Southern Region.
Our Background
The city of Holtville is a small town with a population of 5,513 located within the agriculturally rich Imperial Valley. Each FFA chapter is associated with a local high school, middle school, or both. Holtville FFA is a program of the Holtville Unified School District. Ag classes, and thereby FFA membership, is open to all HUSD students in their 7-12th grade years. Thus, the Chapter has an incredibly diverse and relatively decent-sized membership.
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Holtville FFA has a proud history of success through hard work and dedication. Throughout our years we have been blessed with many wins in competitive events, successful SAE projects, and students who achieved higher office.
Youth Leadership
As a youth leadership organization, it only makes sense that Holtville FFA would be led by the members. But how does that work?
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At the end of each year, the members of the Chapter elect, from their number, a group of students to serve on the Chapter Officer Team, or Executive Committee. These officers have individual roles crucial for the success of the chapter but also work together to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Chapter and make the big decisions! As an active Chapter with a heart for success, this isn't enough, however. Additional committees are appointed by the Executive to plan specific events. Junior Officer Teams are appointed to work with the Chapter Team while they are being mentored by them. Adding to that, facility & barn managers make it possible for us to run smoothly. ​
Adivisors and Supporters
So, if the chapter is led by students, are there any adults involved? Of course, rely on adults in numerous ways!
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Beyond teaching the HUSD ag classes, Holtville FFA is grateful to have three amazing Chapter Advisors who provide us with invaluable wisdom, guidance, counsel, and supervision. They all sacrifice so much in and outside of their classrooms to ensure our program's success! We are also blessed to have the support of our high school Administration and School Board, who allow us the freedom and resources we need to put our best foot forward. Last, but certainly not least, our Holtville community gives immeasurable time and resources to our students through the Ag Boosters Club and Ag Advisory Committee.
Agriculture Education
Agriculture education is based upon a Three-Ring Model--Classroom, SAE, FFA. Each of these three spheres work together to provide students with a well-rounded understanding and experience of hands-on education.
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Classroom, is as it sounds, the agriculture classes students enroll in during middle and high school. There is a wide range of options... Ag science, mechanics, floral, etc. The SAE ring stands for Supervised Agricultural Experiences. SAE projects include livestock, mechanics, research, cooperatives, jobs, and so much more. Last but not least, FFA includes events that aim to prepare you for careers and leadership (CDE and LDE), as well as conferences and officer positions.
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In the classroom, students acquire knowledge; in Supervised Agriculture Experiences (SAEs), students learn and practice skills; in the FFA students get to put their knowledge and skills together in a competitive enviornment.