Three Live Oak High School juniors, Julie Muzzi, Lindsey Hillesland and Gabe Milos, earned highly coveted Future Farmers of America State Degrees, which are awarded to only 3 percent of all California FFA association members.
It is the state’s highest honor.
“I am extremely proud of our FFA students, and to have three receive the FFA State Degree is a huge testament to the success of the Live Oak program,” Live Oak FFA advisor Kaiti Whitmyre said of the achievement. “The dedication and leadership that Julie, Lindsey and Gabe all show on a daily basis is exceptional. This is a well-deserved honor.”
The State FFA Degree is awarded to FFA members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to the California State FFA Association and made significant accomplishments in their Supervised Agricultural Experiences programs, according to the Jan. 26 announcement.
To be eligible for the State FFA Degree, a member must meet an extensive list of qualifications over a minimum of two years. That list includes: at least 500 hours on their Supervised Agricultural Experience Program; earn $1,000 by their own efforts from an agricultural enterprise or other agriculturally-related work; demonstrate leadership abilities; and participate in a minimum of 25 hours of community improvement activities.
Lindsey Hillesland’s projects were Market Goat Entrepreneurship, Guide Dog Service Learning and Santa Rosa Fire Donation Drive Service Learning; Gabe Milos did a Market Hog Entrepreneurship; and Julie Muzzi’s projects were Market Lamb Entrepreneurship and Laying Hen Entrepreneurship.
