One Creed, Many Voices: California FFA Makes History
Jesus Garcia presenting the second paragraph of the FFA Creed in Spanish. Photo taken by California FFA Press Corp. member Ryan Tolmosoff of the Merced-Stone Ridge Christian FFA Chapter.
For generations, the FFA Creed has been a cornerstone of the organization. Its five paragraphs define belief, leadership and the future of agriculture. But at this year’s California FFA State Conference, the FFA Creed took on a historic new form. For the first time, members delivered each paragraph in a different language, bringing their identities, cultures and personal journeys to the stage.
William Scheurer: English, First Paragraph
William Scheurer, a sophomore from the Las Plumas FFA Chapter, has been growing his leadership skills through the FFA Creed for over a year. From his first competition as a freshman to attending nationals, Scheurer described the journey as transformative.
“It was all about me growing my leadership skills,” he says. “Sharing the Creed on stage was such a great moment…being able to actually state my beliefs to 7,000 people.”
For Scheurer, performing in English alongside other languages emphasized the diversity and inclusion of California agriculture. “When we bring in those other languages, it showed the inclusion that we had here in the association,” he says.
Standing on stage, he felt nervous at first, but once he held the microphone, his confidence soared. “I truly believe every word in every paragraph,” he says.
William Scheurer presenting the first paragraph of the FFA Creed in English. Photo taken by California FFA Press Corp. member Ryan Tolmosoff of the Merced-Stone Ridge Christian FFA Chapter.
Jesus Garcia: Spanish, Second Paragraph
Jesus Garcia, a senior from Mira Monte FFA, moved to the United States in fifth grade. Spanish was his first language, and adjusting to a new school and culture was a challenge. Living with his family, including his sister and brother-in-law, he faced moments of homesickness and uncertainty.
“But overall, I feel like it was worth it,” he says. “FFA really helped me get more extroverted and find my place.”
Performing the FFA Creed in Spanish helped Garcia (pictured above) to honor his culture and share his personal story. “I decided to do it because it was a cool way to represent my culture, Hispanic people,” he says.
Beyond the performance, he encourages other members to take chances. “Just do it,” he says. “It’s a really cool experience.”
Elijah Hernandez: American Sign Language, Third Paragraph
Elijah Hernandez, a junior from Highland FFA, has been learning American Sign Language since his freshman year. As a student in one of Kern County’s strongest high school deaf programs, Hernandez wanted to highlight Deaf culture in an environment where most students are hearing.
“I felt it was important for me to represent Deaf culture,” he says. On stage, he felt proud to share his skills and knowledge. “It was rewarding to present something meaningful to me while also representing my school and program,” he says.
For Hernandez, the most important part of the experience was connecting with the audience through the meaning of the FFA Creed, no matter the language.
Elijah Hernandez presenting the third paragraph of the FFA Creed in American Sign Language. Photo taken by California FFA Press Corp. member Ryan Tolmosoff of the Merced-Stone Ridge Christian FFA Chapter.
Alexander Lopes: Portuguese, Fourth Paragraph
Alexander Lopes, a freshman from Pitman FFA, presented the fourth paragraph in Portuguese. For him, the power of the FFA Creed wasn’t just in memorization; it was in seeing how it could bring people together.
“It was beautiful to see how the different languages of the Creed touched the hearts of not just the Portuguese members, but also the other FFA members from all different backgrounds coming together to celebrate heritage through agricultural practices,” he says.
For Lopes, the stage was not intimidating. He felt excitement in representing his community and in showing that language and tradition can unite people.
Alexander Lopes presenting the fourth paragraph of the FFA Creed in Portuguese. Photo taken by California FFA Press Corp. member Ryan Tolmosoff of the Merced-Stone Ridge Christian FFA Chapter.
Kailie Wells: Japanese, Fifth Paragraph
Kailie Wells, a sophomore from San Luis Obispo FFA, performed the final paragraph in Japanese. Spending summers and winters in Japan, she has always been connected to her native language.
“Don’t let fear stop you from taking up opportunities that could lead to immeasurable growth,” she says. Standing on stage, she felt nervous, but as she spoke, those nerves gave way to pride. Performing in Japanese allowed Wells to represent her heritage and her chapter, bringing her story into the larger FFA community.
Kailie Wells presenting the fifth paragraph of the FFA Creed in Japanese. Photo taken by California FFA Press Corp. member Ryan Tolmosoff of the Merced-Stone Ridge Christian FFA Chapter.
Together, these five students transformed the FFA Creed into a celebration of identity, culture and leadership. Each paragraph told a story not just about agriculture or tradition, but of personal growth, resilience and the courage to stand on stage and share one’s voice.
For California FFA, this historic presentation was more than a performance; it was a reminder that the strength of agriculture lies in the diversity of the people who sustain it.
