On May 3rd, the Brawley FFA teams from Brawley Union High School competed in the California FFA State Career Development Event (CDE) Finals at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. With eleven students proudly wearing the blue corduroy jacket, they took on various challenges, including presentations and knowledge-based tests, competing in multiple events.
The Agricultural Communications team went head-to-head with teams from across the state. Through a marketing presentation and sales pitch centered on the California State Beekeepers Association, they secured an impressive 4th place finish at the state level. Although this was Brawley’s first time competing in the event, their performance didn’t show it. The team spent countless hours preparing marketing materials, practicing presentations, and reviewing potential questions. First-year member Ivanna Gonzalez stood out, earning 1st place as the highest-ranking individual in the state.
“This experience has definitely boosted my confidence,” said Ivanna Gonzalez. “Public speaking has always been something I’ve loved to do, and this experience has taught me so much about teamwork, communication, and believing in myself and my team. I’m proud of this achievement, and it’s inspired me to compete stronger next year and to challenge myself by pursuing more leadership roles in FFA.”
In the AET Farm Records competition, second-year member Anglina Pehanich earned 4th place as the highest-ranking individual in the state. Angelina is currently the chapter AET coordinator and helped train the team. This competition teaches students essential skills in recordkeeping—not just for their agricultural projects but also as a real-world career skill, requiring a strong understanding of the software and detailed journal entries. As a team, they also secured 4th place overall in the state.
Additionally, another group of Brawley FFA members took on the Best Informed Greenhand competition, a knowledge-based event focused on FFA history, leadership roles, and foundational agricultural principles.
“When I first started at Brawley, it was one of my goals to have students compete in CDEs. Mrs. Taylor and I developed a plan to coach specific teams, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to watch our students grow through the process" expresses agriculture instructor Alicyn Monita.
"This was my first year coaching the Ag Communications team, and it truly took a village. From Luz Velarde guiding the students in merchandise development to our tech expert, Jimmy Gilder, making sure they had the equipment they needed, it was a team effort. I’m excited to see what they accomplish in the coming years!”
These events not only showcase students’ skills but also prepare them for real-world experiences through career technical education. Beyond the competition, the event gave students the opportunity to connect with peers from across the state and engage with higher education institutions and industry professionals.