July 23, 2009

More than 5,000 high school students, advisers and guests will gather Saturday, April 14, at downtown Fresno’s Selland Arena for the largest annual conference Fresno hosts – the 79th California State FFA Leadership Conference.

Young agricultural leaders from the California Association of Future Farmers of America (FFA) will attend the four-day conference coordinated by California State University, Fresno’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology.

The conference encourages students to develop personal and team leadership skills, discover agricultural careers, establish lasting friendships and honor their peers.

Attendees will hear from nationally recognized speakers with inspirational stories such as Dave Roever, a military veteran bringing a message of courage, commitment and survival, and Beau Williamson, a Clovis native, who will share his experiences as the current national FFA president.

“The conference is the highlight of the year for California FFA,” said Bob Heuvel, State FFA Adviser and unit manager for the California Department of Education. “These students are setting the bar high as leaders, agriculturalists, scientists and citizens.”

The leadership conference also will highlight student accomplishment in areas ranging from public speaking to production practices with proficiency awards, scholarships and special recognitions.

The California Association, founded in 1928, helps more than 64,000 California high school students develop their potential for leadership, personal growth and career success through vocational education.

For more information, log on to www.calaged.org or contact Kristen Heath 707.490.2191 (heath.kristen@gmail.com); Jackie Mundt 608.234.1164 (jmundt@csufresno.edu) or Aimee Meidinger 209.810.6447 (jrblondie@hotmail.com).