Passing the Torch: Meet the Central Region Officer From the South Area
The 2026-27 Central Region Officer Team after the spring meeting and elections! Left to right: Jane Wenger, Karly Ritchie-Shields, Annika Don, Harper Kempen, Gannon Gossman, Maya Barnwell, Mina Russell-Choi and Carson Bell.
On March 28, 2026, the 2026-27 Central Region Officer Team was elected. Representing the Gustine, Turlock, Atwater and Modesto FFA Chapters in California, these four individuals strive to promote growth within agricultural education. Each of them have a passion for the agriculture industry and the goal to inspire members to push beyond their comfort zone!
From Gustine FFA, Central Region President Carson Bell is a strong ambassador for agricultural education and truly embodies what it means to serve others. This Billy Joel fan encourages members to live authentically and find a future in agriculture through the three-circle model. From hands-on moments in the classroom, to Supervised Agricultural Experience projects that establish career readiness and the FFA organization, Bell believes understanding this model is the foundation to success in agricultural education. Each ring offers immense opportunities of growth and experience for members.
For Bell, attending State Conference his freshman year was the moment he realized he could be a part of something so much bigger than himself, and that there is value to each person’s unique contribution. Admiring the FFA Creed, Bell finds purpose in service, highlighting the importance of treating others with the utmost respect and collaborating to make a vision become a reality.
Although the Central Region is the second-largest FFA region in California, the connections across schools in the region are still incredibly strong. After the elections, members congratulated the new team. Left to right: Gregory Hennagan, Carson Bell, Gannon Gossman and Makinna Woods.
Hailing from Turlock FFA, Vice President At-Large Maya Barnwell was originally inspired by her ag teacher, Mrs. Nunes, to take the step to get involved in FFA. Even though she is not from a traditional agricultural background, getting outside of her comfort zone through public speaking developed her passion for the agriculture industry, learning and leading, while also earning her the title of 2025 California FFA State Impromptu Public Speaking Champion.
As her tennis coach says, “Just do the best with what you have at the moment.” Motivated by her favorite song, Everlong by the Foo Fighters, Barnwell wants each member to feel valued, connected and excited to try something new.
The Turlock FFA Chapter gathers around Maya Barnwell to celebrate her achievement. Left to right: Cayleigh Curtis, Katherine Serna, Paige Brahic, Isabella Andrade, Maya Barnwell, Alyx Barragan, Liliana Cabrales, Rubiana Cabrales and Annalilia Scroggins.
Gannon Gossman of the Atwater FFA Chapter was elected as south area vice president. Learning discipline from Taekwondo, as well as extrovertedness and public speaking from theater, Gossman strives to be a dependable source of encouragement for the Central Region and push members to their fullest potential.
When he was younger, Gossman’s dream career was to be a paleontologist, as he loved learning about history, science and dinosaurs. Although his career goals have changed, his curiosity excites him to explore all of the different areas of the region with his teammates. A piece of advice he lives by is “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right,” by Henry Ford. Gossman believes that everyone has the potential for greatness, and he is devoted to helping each member expand their journey and reach new heights!
The newly elected sentinel is proud to represent the Modesto FFA Chapter. Featured: Jaden Wenger.
From the Modesto FFA Chapter, Sentinel Jaden Wenger developed a deep passion for agriculture and a strong work ethic from growing up on his family’s almond and walnut operation. Using his background in production agriculture, his goal is to remind members of the importance of this industry and how it is the backbone of the world.
As he restores a 1947 Stendubaker pickup truck, Wenger always tries to stay “rooted in hard work, growing toward success,” he says. Throughout his year of service, he hopes to guide members toward opportunity and establish valuable friendships.
These officers are bound to leave a powerful impact on the Central Region!
