Different Chapters, One Team: Meet the 2026-27 Merced-Mariposa Section Team

Every blue jacket has a story.

Some begin in a classroom. Some begin in a barn before sunrise. Others start with a student nervously attending their first FFA meeting, never realizing how much that one decision would change their life. While the six members of the 2026-27 Merced-Mariposa Section Officer Team come from different chapters and different backgrounds, they are connected by one thing: a desire to serve others.

Together, they represent nine chapters, thousands of members and the future of agricultural education throughout the Merced-Mariposa Section.

Sentinel Gregory Hennegan, Golden Valley FFA

For Gregory Hennegan, FFA quickly became more than just another activity; it became the place where he found purpose, connection and confidence.

A junior at Golden Valley High School, Hennegan first became involved in FFA during his freshman year through career and leadership development events, such as Creed and Best Informed Greenhand. From that point on, he immersed himself in every opportunity possible.

Throughout his journey, Hennegan has served as Greenhand president, chapter sentinel, state conference delegate and now sectional sentinel-elect and chapter president-elect. Along the way, he has also found success in competitions ranging from small engines to livestock showing, all while balancing athletics, including water polo and swimming.

Although Hennegan originally expected sports to define his high school experience, FFA quickly changed that path. “As soon as I got a taste of what FFA was like, I was hooked,” he says.

Inspired by the sectional officers he watched throughout his freshman year, Hennegan decided he wanted to give back to the section in the same way others had impacted him. That desire to serve led him to run for sectional office. When he heard his name announced as the newly elected section sentinel, Hennegan immediately began imagining the possibilities for the year ahead.

“I just hoped I wouldn’t let my section down,” he says.

Throughout his journey, Hennegan has learned that leadership is not always easy. One of the most important lessons FFA taught him came through disappointment and growth. After experiencing setbacks early in his leadership journey, he realized that success is not something handed to people—it is earned through hard work, perseverance and the willingness to improve.

“You can’t just go through life expecting everything,” Hennegan says. “Instead of letting negatives kick you down, let them build your character and push you to become better.”

As sentinel, Hennegan’s vision for the Merced-Mariposa Section centers around inclusion and involvement. One idea he hopes to pursue is hosting sectional meetings at different chapters throughout the year, allowing more members the opportunity to experience sectional events firsthand. To him, what makes the section truly special is the determination and drive of its members.

“People in our section are always pushing themselves and helping others achieve greatness,” he says.

Above all, Hennegan hopes every member leaves a sectional event feeling important, welcomed and noticed.

“Nobody deserves to feel pushed away or neglected,” he says. “I want members to know people want them there.”

At the heart of Hennegan’s leadership is service. Whether it is helping someone through a difficult moment or simply making them feel included, he believes leadership is about being there for others.

“Serving others gives me a warm feeling because I know I helped someone instead of just thinking about myself,” he says.

Hennegan’s story has also taught him resilience. After facing personal hardships growing up, he learned the importance of continuing to stand back up no matter how difficult life becomes.

“Whenever life pushes you down, stand back up taller than before,” he says.

As he begins his year of service, Hennegan is most excited to meet new people and continue building connections throughout the section. For him, leadership is about more than titles—it is about helping others recognize their worth and reminding members that they are capable of more than they may believe. His message to every FFA member is simple: be yourself and never let negativity define who you are.

Treasurer Cooper Johnstone, Le Grand FFA

For Cooper Johnstone, FFA has become much more than competitions and leadership opportunities—it has become a place where he discovered his passion for serving others.

Representing Le Grand FFA as the 2026-27 Merced-Mariposa Section treasurer, Johnstone first became involved through career and leadership development events such as Creed and Best Informed Greenhand. Through those experiences, he quickly realized FFA was an organization that challenged members to grow while creating opportunities to build confidence, communication skills and lifelong connections.

As he became more involved, Johnstone found his passion through serving the members of Le Grand FFA and helping others make the most of their experiences within the organization. To him, one of the most unique aspects of the Merced-Mariposa Section is the diversity found throughout its chapters. From the foothills of Mariposa to the heart of the Central Valley, members come from many different backgrounds and perspectives within agriculture. He believes those differences are what make the section stronger and allow members to learn from one another.

As treasurer, Johnstone hopes every member leaves sectional events feeling inspired, connected and excited to become more involved.

“I want members to leave thinking, ‘Wow, that was the best meeting we’ve ever been to,’” Johnstone says. “I also hope they leave with stronger leadership skills, better communication and deeper connections with the people around them.”

Looking ahead, Johnstone is most excited to work alongside the new officer team while hosting engaging sectional meetings and creating memorable experiences for members throughout the year. If he could share one message with every member in the section, it would be to take advantage of every opportunity possible and never be afraid to step outside of their comfort zone.

“Those are the lessons that allowed me to make the most of my FFA experience,” he says.

Outside of leadership and competition, Johnstone’s passion for the swine industry continues to shape both his future goals and daily life. Whether he is feeding, training, showing pigs or simply spending time in the barn with music playing in the background, agriculture remains at the center of who he is.

Through his year of service, Johnstone hopes to help members discover opportunities, create lasting memories and find their own place within the blue jacket.

Reporter Chloe King, Mariposa FFA

“Leadership is not about the title you hold, but the impact you leave behind.”

That belief is what inspired Chloe King to pursue a sectional office, and continues to guide her leadership today.

When King first joined FFA, she never imagined it would become such an important part of her high school experience. As she became more involved, she began to see the opportunities the organization provided and the impact it had on students’ lives. Wanting to give back to an organization that had given her so much, King decided to take the next step and run for sectional office.

For King, the opportunity was never just about holding a title. It was about building connections, encouraging others and helping members discover their potential.

Finding out she had been elected was both exciting and humbling. More than anything, she was eager to begin serving the members of the Merced-Mariposa Section and create meaningful experiences alongside her officer team.

One of the greatest lessons King has learned through FFA is that growth happens outside of your comfort zone. Whether it is public speaking, leading meetings or stepping into unfamiliar situations, she believes the biggest moments of growth happen when people are willing to challenge themselves.

As reporter, King hopes to help every member feel welcomed, valued and connected. She believes what makes the Merced-Mariposa Section special is its people. Although members come from different communities and backgrounds, they are united by a shared passion for leadership, agriculture and supporting one another.

What motivates King most is seeing the impact that simple encouragement or a new opportunity can have on someone’s life.

Looking back, she once believed sports would define most of her high school experience. Instead, FFA became one of the most influential parts of her journey and helped shape her into the leader she is today.

As she looks toward the upcoming year, King is excited to continue building relationships, creating lasting memories and serving alongside the members of the section.

“If there is one thing I want members to remember,” King says, “it’s to never be afraid to take chances. Some of the best opportunities, friendships and memories begin the moment you step outside of your comfort zone and believe in yourself.”

Secretary Maysie Burroughs, Buhach Colony FFA

For Maysie Burroughs, FFA has always been about people, connection and helping others find where they belong.

Her journey began freshman year, when several influential agriculture teachers encouraged her to enroll in agriculture leadership, despite it being her very first experience with FFA. What started as stepping into something unfamiliar quickly became one of the most impactful parts of her life.

From serving as Greenhand president to chapter treasurer and now newly elected chapter vice president, Burroughs has spent the last several years growing through leadership opportunities while creating connections with members across her chapter and section.

Looking back, one of her favorite parts of FFA has been visiting schools and meeting students preparing to begin their high school journey.

“I love being able to talk to younger students and encourage them to join FFA, even when they don’t fully understand what it is yet,” Burroughs says. “I think helping people find their place is one of the most rewarding parts of leadership.”

Her passion for leadership and service eventually inspired her to pursue a sectional office. Through public speaking competitions, leadership events and mentorship from influential individuals like Denise Skidmore, Burroughs developed both the confidence and motivation to continue stepping into leadership roles.

Seeing the impact FFA had on former student leaders inspired her to pursue opportunities that would allow her to serve others on a larger scale. As section secretary, Burroughs’ vision for the Merced-Mariposa Section is centered around inclusion and involvement. She hopes to create an environment where every member feels welcomed, supported and excited to participate.

“I want the section to feel like home for everyone,” she says. “I think our goal as officers should be to help members get more involved and have fun while doing it.”

To Burroughs, one of the most unique aspects of the Merced-Mariposa Section is its diversity. From the foothills to the valley, members come from different backgrounds, lifestyles and agricultural experiences. Whether students are involved in livestock, horses, greenhouse projects, leadership development or public speaking, each member contributes something valuable to the section.

At the heart of Burroughs’ leadership is a simple goal: being the difference in someone’s life. That desire first began during her years in 4-H and continued when she joined FFA. Whether helping someone learn a new skill, offering advice or simply lending a helping hand, she hopes to be the kind of leader who helps others feel supported during important moments in their journey.

Outside of FFA, Burroughs has a strong passion for the equine industry. She enjoys riding and showing horses and mules in both Western and English disciplines, including ranch and jumping classes. Her involvement within the equine industry has allowed her to build connections across California while also becoming a Youth Ambassador for Professional’s Choice. Looking ahead, Burroughs is excited to continue building memories, strengthening connections and helping create a more active and involved section. Her message to members is simple: get involved.

“I think a lot of students don’t fully realize how much FFA can truly impact their lives,” Burroughs says. “If more members gave themselves the opportunity to experience everything FFA has to offer, I think they’d discover just how meaningful it can become.”

Vice President Kai Sanches, Buhach Colony FFA

For Kai Sanches, leadership is not about being the loudest person in the room; it is about helping others recognize their worth and potential.

Representing Buhach Colony FFA as the 2026-27 Merced-Mariposa Section vice president, Sanches’ journey in agriculture began long before she ever wore the blue jacket. Raised around agriculture, she developed a deep appreciation for the industry, the work ethic it teaches and the community it creates. However, growing up, she expected sports to define her high school experience. After suffering multiple serious injuries, Sanches was forced to step away from many of the athletic opportunities she had once envisioned for herself. What initially felt like a setback eventually became a turning point in her life.

Through faith, perseverance and the support of those around her, Sanches found a new purpose within FFA. The organization gave her more than leadership opportunities—it gave her confidence, connection and a place to grow into the person she is today. Throughout her journey, Sanches has served as Buhach Colony FFA Greenhand secretary, chapter sentinel and now chapter president for the 2026-27 year. Each role taught her that true leadership is not measured by titles or accomplishments, but by the way a leader makes others feel.

As section vice president, Sanches hopes to create an environment where every member feels welcomed, supported and capable of success. Whether someone is struggling to find their place or already thriving within the organization, she wants students to know they are seen and valued. Her vision for the Merced-Mariposa Section is centered around encouragement, growth and connection. She hopes members leave sectional events feeling more confident than when they arrived and inspired to pursue opportunities they may have once been afraid to try.

Ultimately, Sanches believes some of the most meaningful moments in leadership come from watching others grow into the best versions of themselves.

“No matter where someone starts, I want them to know they are capable of achieving great things,” she says.

Through compassion, service and faith, Sanches hopes to help strengthen the Merced-Mariposa Section while reminding members that success looks different for everyone—and every journey is worth celebrating.

President Maddie Cole, Mariposa FFA

For Maddie Cole, leadership is a passion of hers she’s gained. It has always been about people.

Representing Mariposa FFA as section president, Cole has spent years serving her chapter as an officer, communicator and advocate for agricultural education. Through countless events, competitions and leadership experiences, she has discovered that the most impactful leaders are often those who help others find their confidence.

As a reporter and storyteller, Cole has spent much of her time documenting the accomplishments of others. She has witnessed firsthand the moments that shape students’ lives: winning a competition, finding lifelong friendships, overcoming setbacks and discovering passions they never knew they had.

Those experiences have shaped her vision for the section. As president, Cole hopes to create an environment where every member feels welcomed, supported and encouraged to pursue their goals. She wants students to understand that leadership is not reserved for a select few. It belongs to anyone willing to serve, work hard and believe in themselves.

Her ultimate advice to others who need courage is “no matter where you come from, you have the power to make something great, because greatness starts with the courage to try.”

Her goal is to leave the Merced-Mariposa Section stronger than she found it, and lead it with her whole heart while helping members discover opportunities that may change their lives forever. 

One Purpose 

Together, Gregory, Cooper, Chloe, Maysie, Kai and Maddie represent more than just their individual chapters. They represent service, leadership, growth and the future of agriculture.

While their journeys may have started in different places, they now share a common purpose: serving the members of the Merced-Mariposa Section and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to write their own FFA story.