This year, 17 Liberty FFA students represented our school with goats, sheep, pigs, and even one rabbit. Showing sheep were Alex Murillo, Adison Pittman, Paisley Harris, Farrah Fuller, Bailee Payne, Clayton Scovell, Elias Gutierrez, and Makynna Barger. Representing us in the goat division were Braden Turman, Jayleen Mendez, Macen Sawyer, and Klay Spears. Showing pigs were Karter Magorian, Nixon Smith, Lazaro Duran, and Sadie Tipps, while Andrew Cruz proudly represented Liberty with rabbits.
For many of these students, it was their very first time showing. Yet, they carried themselves with confidence, proving that preparation and teamwork go a long way. One first-time showman proudly finished first in his class. Though he didn’t place in the finals, the smile on his face said it all. His joy reflected the spirit of Liberty FFA, celebrating growth and accomplishment at every level.
FFA is more than ribbons, it’s about building community. Our more experienced members stepped up to mentor their peers, working closely with Agriculture teacher Maghan Miller to teach first-time showmen the ropes. Their leadership helped create a culture of encouragement where everyone had the chance to succeed.
Parents were an active and enthusiastic part of the experience. From helping prepare animals to cheering from the stands, their involvement made this return even more meaningful. The support of families reminds us that FFA is about more than individual competition, it’s about belonging to a team.
This year’s Kern County Fair showing is a milestone for Liberty FFA. With 17 students competing, several earning Grand Champion, and every participant walking away with pride, the future is bright for our program. Congratulations to all our students, families, and staff for making this historic return one to remember.
Watch for a spotlight article next week once the competitionis completed on standout performances.