The Arbuckle FFA chapter held its annual parent-member banquet on May 28 at the Pierce High School multipurpose room, drawing a large crowd of students, parents, staff, and supporters to celebrate the achievements of the 2025-26 school year. The event recognized member accomplishments, honored chapter staff, and highlighted the memories, fellowship, and skills gained throughout the year.
Among the special guests was State FFA Reporter Tessa Camacho, who was welcomed with a poster created by students. Current chapter officers presented awards to members and staff, while incoming officers served food and assisted with cleanup.
The kitchen crew prepared the meal for the evening.
During the banquet, 54 students from all four grade levels received Chapter Degree certificates and pins. Many members also earned pins for maintaining a 3.0 GPA.
Juniors and seniors who had previously received the State FFA Degree were recognized again. Seniors were presented with yellow corduroy stoles featuring the blue FFA emblem, and 20 members wore these stoles during graduation ceremonies on June 5.
Additionally, 76 members received blue cords for four years of FFA participation.
Outstanding Ag Mechanics Student awards went to Brandon Weber and Kevin Lievanos. Weber and Eduardo Escobar earned Tier 2 welding certifications, along with Lievanos.
Weber and Jonny Chavez received Power Mechanics awards, and Chavez was also recognized as an outstanding shop student as he prepares for a career in the trades. Community members Tim Cain, Lauren Ornbaum, and George Green received honorary membership and appreciation awards.
Austin Cline and Weston LaGrande received buckles for proficiency awards, with Cline advancing to the state level. Former member Tristan Miller also received a buckle in recognition of a proficiency award opportunity lost during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Star award recipients included Sean Gomez (Star Greenhand), Addison Jansen (Star Chapter Farmer), Weston LaGrande (Outstanding Junior), and Thomas Sweet (Outstanding Senior). LaGrande was also named the chapter’s high-point member for earning the most participation points throughout the year.
Arbuckle FFA fielded five competitive teams during the school year: Novice Parliamentary Procedure, Advanced Parliamentary Procedure, Farm Power, Small Engines, and Ag Mechanics. Advisors recognized team members during the banquet and, in some cases, presented gifts.
Advisor Megan Tenhunfeld was honored with gifts from the officer team as she prepares to step away from teaching to stay home with her child after its birth. Treasurer Abram Carillo delivered remarks recognizing her contributions.
The outgoing officer team included seniors Nathan Gomez (president), Anahi Ruiz (vice president), and Valeria Moreno (secretary), who delivered retirement addresses reflecting on their experiences. New officers were installed with words of encouragement from their predecessors.
The 2026-27 officer team includes President Rafael Garcia, Vice President Sophia Barajas, Secretary LucaBella Nolen, Treasurer Micah Joel, Reporter Lyla Maldonado, Sentinel Natalee Gaspariano, Historian Olivia Dudley, and Parliamentarian Sean Gomez. The new officers will attend a leadership retreat in July to prepare for the coming year.
Arbuckle FFA members and advisors expressed gratitude to parents, sponsors, and community supporters for their continued involvement, which helps sustain the chapter’s success.