Shaunna Edwards, Chapter Reporter
Special to the Sun

The holidays are always a busy time of year, and the Kern Valley FFA is no exception to this rule.  We have a variety of activities that occur during the months of November and December, including competitions, community service activities and fundraisers.

One of the largest leadership competitions that the FFA competes in every year in the Officer Ceremonies contest. Teams of six act as a group of chapter officers and present the official Opening and Closing ceremonies of an FFA meeting. It is a great public speaking activity, and Kern Valley had 24 members compete in this year’s contest. The Officer Team won 2nd overall, with Stephanie Delgado selected as the AllStar Treasurer. Other members of the Officer Team were Shayne Villa, Taylor Williams, Courtney Steinberg, Cole Frenes and Shaunna Edwards. The Freshman team also did an awesome job, placing 3rd in their contest.Team members were Hali Evans, Dominique Navarre, Tanessa Martinez, Hailee Adams, Alex Cordell and Kacie Kissack. There were two open teams; both placed 4th in their divisions. Holly Largent won AllStar Sentinel in the A group, while Cheyenne Hayes received AllStar Treasurer in the B category. Other Open Team members were Danica Vittoria, Chrissie Stroud, Kelsie Robinson, Randi Moler, Stephanie Lopez, Cody Sheckells, Jessica Porter, Ashley Carothers, Melani Fletcher and Sydney Scott.

Kern Valley FFA members and advisor Emily Keverline, left, at the competition, Nov. 17 at Bakersfield College.

“This was an outstanding group,” said advisor Emily Keverline. “There were over 150 students that competed at this event and for all of our teams to place in the top four was quite an accomplishment.”

In Community Service activities, FFA is once again participating in the Million Can challenge, which is a nationwide food drive. “FFA members from across the country work to get canned and non-perishable food items donated and then donate them to local food banks,” said Robinson, coordinator of FFA’s community service activities. “The number of canned food items is sent in to the FFA, with the goal being one million cans nationwide.

“FFA members are encouraged to bring canned items in throughout the month of December,” added Robinson. “Community members can drop canned food off at the high school or at the FFA Boosters Christmas Tree lot.”

Kern Valley FFA is beginning its annual poinsettia sales, which is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year. Small poinsettias sell for $10, and the large ones are $25. Contact an FFA member or call Keverline at 760-379-2611 if interested in purchasing a poinsettia, which accounts for about 25 percent of FFA’s income. Funds go to competitions, field days, and conferences. By raising this money we can help kids go to events by paying half of the expenses.

FFA Boosters are preparing for the annual Christmas tree sales, with opening day set for Nov. 28 at 9 a.m., next to the Crossroads Shell Station.

The Christmas tree lot will be open at 9 a.m. and run until 8 p.m. on weekends and noon to 8 p.m. on weekends. There is a wide variety of trees and sizes to choose from.