FFA groups count on community support at 62nd Santa Clara County
Fair
San Jose – Well-groomed goats, sleekly-sheared pigs and freshly-washed sheep are parading around bars at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, led by energetic FFA students from Sobrato and Live Oak high schools.
“It’s been great, the teachers are so excited, and we’ve been very successful with some of the animals,” said Sobrato junior David Self, who has a meat goat at the fair this year. “(The animal project) is good not only for the knowledge but it’s such a personal growth. You learn so much about yourself and what you’re capable of.”
According to Morgan Hill FFA Boosters President Kris Friebel, there are only four accredited FFA programs left in Santa Clara County: the Sobrato and Live Oak programs and programs at Gilroy High and Campbell High.
Though the number of competitors is shrinking, due not only to a gradual diminishing of FFA programs over the years but also because 4-H programs are also suffering, the fair is still a great experience for all who participate, Friebel added.
The Live Oak and Sobrato FFAs have done “exceptionally wonderful this year,” she said, noting that Sobrato’s fledgling program is having success this year.
Live Oak’s Erin Schlegel, who graduated in June, won the championship FFA lamb award, as well as an award for advanced lamb showmanship.
The fair continues through Sunday, when students have the opportunity to auction off their animals, recouping, hopefully, the money they have spent feeding the animal.
“Some of them really get bit by the bug, and they know that money from the auction is going to be used to buy another animal for next year,” Friebel said.
Though this is the first year taking students to the Santa Clara County fair, Sobrato High’s FFA advisor, Jennifer Durjava, said she grew up showing animals in fairs. She said she is proud of her Sobrato students, their hard work and enthusiasm.
“I wouldn’t be here with any other group,” she said. “They have worked so hard, training, clipping and grooming, and they have such a great attitude while they’re doing it. We have a lot of novices, but they have jumped right in and been willing to spend lots of time working with the animals so they show well.”
Marilyn Dubil covers education and law enforcement for The Times. Reach her at (408) 779-4106 ext. 202 or at
md****@mo*************.com.
