Mission CISD FFA Skills Team Shines in Area Competition

Mission CISD celebrates the exceptional performance of its Veterans Memorial High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) Skills Team, which recently placed third in the competitive Area X LDEs Competition, which featured 20 other schools.

The team’s presentation on artificial insemination in cattle showcased not only their knowledge but also their dedication, teamwork, and passion for agricultural science.

The team, consisting of Jadon Guerrero, Norma Maldonado, Samantha Cardona, Olivia Lopez, and Samara Martinez, devoted countless hours to perfecting their script and practicing their presentation.

Their mentor, Mr. Joseph Villarreal, an Agriculture Science Teacher and FFA Advisor, was instrumental in guiding them, offering invaluable feedback, and arranging hands-on experiences to deepen their understanding of the topic.

Reflecting on his mentorship, Lopez shared, “Seeing how dedicated Mr. V was and how willing he was to bring in other people to help us definitely encouraged us to work even harder.”

This accomplishment marks a milestone for the FFA program at Mission CISD, with the team achieving area-level recognition for their skills and efforts.

For team member Maldonado, the journey was particularly meaningful. “It was very exciting for me because I’ve been in Skills since freshman year, and this is the first time we made it to area with this specific script. Our teamwork made all the difference,” she said.

Perseverance and Teamwork

The road to success wasn’t without challenges. Balancing schoolwork, jobs, and other commitments demanded an extraordinary level of dedication from the team. Despite these hurdles, their perseverance and commitment to excellence never wavered. “We spent late nights and early mornings practicing,” said Cardona. “We updated our script repeatedly, and at one point, it felt like it was ingrained in our brains. But all that effort made it worth it.”

Guerrero expressed the pride the team felt upon hearing their name called during the awards. “Walking up to collect the banner for third place was an unforgettable moment. Even though we narrowly missed a state run, we’re so proud of how far we’ve come.”

In preparation for the competition, the team also visited a local ranch to gain practical experience. Activities such as ear tagging, vaccinating, and palpating cattle added a valuable real-world dimension to their presentation. “Seeing how it works in practice compared to models was an incredible learning experience,” said Lopez.

Their hard work and commitment were best exemplified by their dedication to practice. As Lopez recalled, “We used to be the last ones to leave campus, sometimes staying until midnight. It wasn’t easy, but it made us stronger as a team.”

Building Futures and Creating Leaders 

The Veterans Memorial High School FFA Skills Team’s success underscores the strength of the FFA program and the opportunities it offers to students. Beyond competitions, the program fosters essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication. It also opens doors to careers in agriculture, marketing, and veterinary science. Cardona emphasized the transformative impact of FFA, saying, “Without this organization and our ag teachers, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. It’s not just about agriculture—it’s about finding your path and making a difference.”

The Mission CISD FFA program provides students with opportunities to explore careers in agriculture, develop leadership skills, and gain hands-on experience in various aspects of agricultural science.