HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. - May 4, 2023, marks 50 years of Westminster High School’s (WHS) Future Farmers of America (FFA) program. On the day of the anniversary, WHS held an anniversary party to celebrate the growth and progress not only of FFA, but also of their farm.

The celebration included Principal Amy Sabol, WHS administration and staff, FFA students, current and former FFA staff members, District Office administrators and staff, Huntington Beach Union High School District (HBUHSD) Superintendent Dr. Clint Harwick, and members of the Board of Trustees, including President Diana Carey, Vice President Dr. Duane Dishno, and Dr. Michael Simons.

At the event, HBUHSD’s Food and Nutrition Services team provided a BBQ dinner for those in attendance. The Giving Farm’s strawberries were on display for sale, with proceeds going back to the FFA program, and attendees were able to pet and feed some of the sheep, as well as explore different areas of the farm.

For five decades, WHS’s FFA program has been an excellent source of inspiration for their students, campus, and community. WHS’s FFA chapter has produced countless leaders, innovators, and changemakers who have made a positive impact on the world around them. We have seen students go on to successful careers in agriculture, business, education, and many other fields because of the lessons they have learned by being a part of FFA.

“Achieving 50 years of anything seems to be a pretty amazing accomplishment these days,” explained Principal Amy Sabol at the event. “We would not be here today celebrating without the legacy of students, staff, volunteers, and leaders before us. As with most things, our FFA program and Giving Farm have certainly gone through various seasons of life, and it has taken all of you here today and others who were not able to join us, working together to be creative and dedicated to maintain this very special program.”

Current FFA students also stood at the podium and spoke to those in attendance about how important the FFA program has been to their growth as young adults. FFA’s current president, Mayra Bahena, shared how FFA has impacted her, “FFA has given me the support to not only improve as a leader on campus, but also in my community. They have given me the opportunity to improve my public speaking skills, reach out to my community, educate others on the impact of California’s Agriculture, try new hobbies, start networking, and meet new friends.”

The Huntington Beach Union High School District is so proud of how far WHS’s FFA program has come in 50 years, including their partnerships and growth of the farm. With the incredible dedication of staff, students, and volunteers, we can’t wait to see how it will progress and flourish in the next 50 years.