California FFA state officers are more than student leaders in FFA — they are the face of agricultural education for hundreds of thousands of members across the Golden State. Through their dedicated year of service, they guide conferences, visit chapters, organize service projects and inspire the next generation of farmers, scientists and innovators.
What sparks a student to take on this immense responsibility? Hear directly from California FFA state officers as they share the defining moment in which they knew state office was their calling.
California FFA State President Lily Vaughn, Las Plumas FFA
California FFA State President Lily Vaughn.
Lily Vaughn made history as the first member of Las Plumas FFA to be elected as a state officer. Through her continued dedication, which included raising livestock, competing in public speaking and participating in livestock judging, Vaughn was an active and engaged FFA member.
However, her journey to state office began long before her senior year.
“My freshman year, I attended state conference on a whim and was blown away by the excitement and unity of our organization,” Vaughn says. “When I learned that state officers spend an entire year with the purpose and privilege of serving members, I felt deeply drawn to that kind of impact. It wasn’t until I served on my first regional officer team, however, that I felt truly called to throw my name in the hat.”
California FFA State Vice President Noah Kamea Stanisai, Temecula-St. Jeanne Catholic FFA
California FFA State Vice President Noah Kamea Stanisai.
At first glance, you may not guess it, but Noah Kamea Stanisai is a man of many talents. Whether it’s playing piano, growing gourmet mushrooms or being involved in the Riverside County government, this state officer has a diverse range of talents and experiences. None of these were the push to leadership, though, so what drove him to pursue state office?
“The moment I knew I wanted to pursue leadership in state office came during a late-night conversation with my sister, near the end of my junior year of high school,” he says. “After completing her year as state secretary in 2024, she shared stories of members from every corner of California, spoke about the role as something far beyond life changing and emphasized the need for meeting others in the middle. In that moment, and with great thought, I officially decided to run for state office and lead by her example.”
California FFA State Treasurer Daren Deftereos, Hanford FFA
California FFA State Treasurer Daren Deftereos.
Daren Deftereos can always be found with a smile on his face and an optimistic attitude that’s positively infectious. This Hanford FFA Alum competed on numerous career and leadership development event teams, leaving a strong impact on fellow FFA members in the process. Deftereos strongly values faith and describes it as a defining factor in his life. In fact, faith pushed him to apply to state office!
“I prayed for a long time,” he says. “I couldn’t tell you a moment, but I could tell you a feeling that struck one morning while I was praying that truly pushed me over the threshold of submitting an application. From there, I’ve continued to try to put God’s will for my life over anything every chance I get!”
California FFA State Reporter Tessa Camacho, O’Neals-Minarets FFA
California FFA State Reporter Tessa Camacho.
Tessa Camancho is the definition of involved. Throughout her four years of FFA, Camancho competed in parliamentary procedure, cotton judging, citrus judging, veterinary science and prepared public speaking. On top of that, she raised laying hens and market hogs and participated in the agriscience fair!
So, what pushed her to take on the biggest responsibility of them all: state office?
“I decided to run for office my senior year because I love helping those around me, and this was an opportunity to do just that,” she says. “I have always wanted to be a teacher because of my love for service, and by embracing this role of state office, I knew I would be able to step into that teaching role for a short year and help those around me find their place in FFA.”
What Is Your “Why?”
If you have ever completed an officer application of any sorts, you’ve most likely seen the question, “Why do you want this position?” For many, it’s the hardest question to answer. How do you put passion into words? How do you explain the feeling of belonging, purpose and camaraderie that FFA creates?
It all comes down to a defining moment. Whether that be attending state conference, late-night conversations with siblings, a faith in God or a love for service, we each have our own spark, which inspires us to love FFA so fiercely.
