March 13, 2024 - Eureka, CA - Eureka City Schools (ECS) is proud to announce that 21 Eureka High School (EHS) students have earned their State FFA Degree, with six selected for other top honors. These accomplishments show the dedication and passion of Eureka FFA students while serving as proof of the superior work within the EHS Agriculture Department and the opportunities that FFA provides.
The State FFA Degree is the most prestigious award that can be received by a Junior or Senior FFA member. This award is given to FFA members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to the California State FFA Association and have made noteworthy achievements in their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs).
This year, Eureka’s 21 students are the highest number in the entire North Coast Region of FFA, which is Half Moon Bay to Del Norte counties. Students received their awards at the North Coast FFA Spring Regional Meeting, which was held at the Ferndale Fairgrounds on March 6, 2024. 
Congratulations to Knolin Callender, Bella Calvi, Ben Danner, Brennig Davies-Hughes, Kelsi Edmonds, Clark Green, Karsyn Hammer, Mya Hauan, Alissa Hornaday, Caleb Hulcy, Kyle Johnston, Ivan Logan, Jerome Lyons, Tanner Martensen, Marin Matteoli, Sage Nord, Josh Peterson, Makela Rabang, Aimee Rogers, Will Stansberry and Wyatt Walter.
Agriculture Teacher Alissa Sarvinski leads the successful FFA program and says, “These students have been working towards this honor for the last three or four years in their agriculture classes and through their projects outside of class time. We are very proud of this group. Congratulations!”
Only 1% of FFA members earn the State FFA Degree each year due to the numerous requirements that demand substantial time and effort.
To receive a state degree, the student must have been an FFA member for at least two years; while in school, have completed the equivalent of at least two years (360 hours) of systematic school instruction in agricultural education; earned and productively invested at least $1,000; or worked at least 300 hours in excess of scheduled class time; or a combination thereof, in a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program; demonstrate specific leadership abilities, have a certified satisfactory scholastic record; have participated in the planning and completion of the chapter’s Program of Activities; have participated in at least five different FFA activities above the chapter level; and participated in at least 25 hours of community service.
The Eureka FFA continues its accolades as its students receive other prestigious honors.
- Sage Nord was selected as a Subcommittee Chair for the State FFA Convention, from which only 27 students from around the state were selected.
- Karsyn Hammer is a Regional Star Reporter and State Finalist. Only five students from around the state are selected for this category.
- Lily Williamson is a State FFA Officer candidate finalist and was selected to attend the Sacramento Leadership Experience conference, where only 50 seniors from around the state are selected.
- Charli Roberts is a Star Farmer for the HDN Section with her goat proficiency and proficiency winner for the North Coast Region.
- Whilder Kijsriopas was selected to the nominating committee for State Office, where only 12 students from around the state are selected.
- Sydney Waterman is a proficiency winner in Specialty Animal Production, while Lily Williamson is a proficiency winner in Agriculture Education.
Eureka FFA also recently hosted the regional speaking finals, where three of its members qualified for the state finals in Fresno. Maddie Van Vleck will be competing in Creed, Whilder Kijsriopas in extemporaneous public speaking, and Charli Roberts in Prepared Public Speaking. Both novice and advanced Parliamentary Procedure Debate teams also won their contests and will compete at the state finals in Sacramento.
The California Association FFA is a student-led extracurricular organization embedded within the agricultural education model. With more than 95,000 FFA members, this association is a leading voice for youth development in California.
ECS is proud to offer robust opportunities for our students, such as agricultural education and the Eureka FFA. We look forward to seeing more students excel in these programs.
Visit the Eureka FFA website here: https://sites.google.com/view/eurekaffa/eureka-ffa
Photos contributed by Eureka FFA.
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Press Contact:
Sierra Speer Dillon
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
Eureka City Schools
[email protected]
707-441-3373