District senator: ‘I don’t know where I would be without Manteca FFA’

FFA’s Shining Star

Addisyn Allen of the Manteca FFA chapter was selected to serve as senator for District 33 at the Sacramento Leadership Experience (SLE). 

The Tower

Addisyn Allen of the Manteca FFA chapter was selected to serve as senator for District 33 at the Sacramento Leadership Experience (SLE).  She is one of only 75 individuals selected to take part in California FFA’s capstone leadership development and personal growth conference.

This conference is an incredible opportunity that few high school students ever get to experience. SLE consists of both a Senate and an Assembly, forming a bicameral model legislature.  At SLE she will learn about issues that directly impact the future of Agricultural Education and Agriculture in California, discuss and debate the issues, both from her own research, as well as from the perspective of those whose district she will represent, and conclude by conducting mock legislation that is developed during this conference on the actual floor of the Legislature. Addisyn will also have a scheduled legislative visit with State Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman of district 5 to discuss important Agricultural Issues of our area.

“Being chosen to attend the SLC Conference means a lot to me. With less than 100 students selected to attend from all FFA seniors in California, I am honored to work alongside other members of the FFA to better California Agriculture,” Allen said. “Manteca FFA has truly shaped me into who I am now. From my first Animal Care class to raising livestock for the fair and now serving as our Chapter Secretary, I don’t know where I would be without Manteca FFA and our Agriculture Department. I plan on attending Modesto Junior College and majoring in Agriculture Education, to become an AG Teacher and make an impact on others.”

“This is such a great honor for Addisyn who has shown a passion for Agriculture and FFA. We are all so proud of her and her accomplishments,” said Amanda Martinez, FFA advisor.

Agriculture programs prepare students for high-demand careers in cutting edge industries like biotechnology, renewable energies, engineering, food production, and more.  They also teach students how to be leaders and prepare them to take on the challenges of the next generation.

With huge support from school administration, the Ag program reaches more than 700 students a year.  The program offers a wide array of classes from woodshop and welding to Animal Science, Floriculture and Animal Care classes.  The Manteca High Agriculture Teachers are Chris Livengood, Ryan Coggins, Amanada Martinez and Heather Nolan.