Sobrato FFA takes great pride in the success and achievements of each of their members, ranging from public speaking accomplishments to awards received at the county fair.
One of the undertakings by its members that the chapter expresses great appreciation for and recognizes with admiration is that of Jacob Frank, a junior at Sobrato High School.
Jacob Frank is a third year member of the Sobrato FFA Chapter. In addition to his participation in the program, he is a member of Boy Scout Troop 33 in Los Altos. Participation in both of these incredible leadership opportunities led this student to assist in his local school community by contributing and adding onto the barn at Sobrato FFA’s campus farm.
One of Frank’s motivations for taking on this enterprise was the prospect of achieving
the highest rank in the Boy Scout program—Eagle Scout. To reach this title, a member would need to “plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project helpful to any religious institution, any school, or [their] community.” Through this project, Frank was able to complete these requirements and will soon be graduating the Boy Scout program.
In addition to the influence of the Boy Scouts, Jacob Frank’s other motivation was the completion of his Supervised Agricultural Experience project through FFA. The SAE component is one of the three circles of Ag Education, which include Classroom/Laboratory, SAE and FFA. These projects can range from raising an animal for the county fair to beekeeping to working at a feed store or ranch, and are included as part of the student’s grade. Students are required to complete a minimum of 30 hours in the completion of their project and keep a record book with all expenses and incomes as well as hours spent. Members with exceptional projects may receive proficiency awards in recognition, extending to the state and national level.
Jacob’s project in its physical form consists of an improved sewage system and concrete extensions for further use in the future. Frank had raised and shown a lamb at the Santa Clara County Fair, keeping his animal at the farm where he observed some needed improvement.
“Sewage runoff was a bit of a problem, so I thought about fixing it,” Frank noted.“I decided to help out my FFA program by adding on to the pig pens at the school’s farm.”
The former ditch was frequently in need of maintenance and cleaning, and the new addition will not only leave room for expansion and addition onto the barn, but also make the upkeep of the farm substantially simpler. By pouring over 12 cubic yards of concrete, Jacob has made a lasting impact on the Sobrato FFA and the students that will continue to raise animals at the farm.
The student was assisted by members of his home troop and his FFA chapter, along with reference contracter, Rich Calabretta, all of whom put in about five solid work days in order to complete this project.
Frank credits Joseph Martin, current advisor of the Hollister FFA Chapter and past Sobrato FFA advisor, with the inspiration for this particular undertaking.
Because of the leadership opportunities offered through the Boy Scout program and the FFA, Frank was able to complete a notable extension to the Sobrato farm.
As for Frank, he stated that he hopes “it benefits the agriculture program in the future and keeps the farm a cleaner place.”
