Members of the 2025 Mariposa FFA Chapter Officer Team are pictured with California FFA State Sentinel Sophia Camo (far left) and Vice President Noah Kamea (far right). Chapter officers include Ashton Davies, Abby Beery, Tylie Allison, Paisley Allison, Livie Twiss, Chloe King and Maddie Cole. Photo by Jade Lust.

A Place Where Most Students Belong

At Mariposa County High School in California, fewer than 500 students make up the entire campus, yet nearly 64% of them are involved in agricultural education. Four agriculture teachers, including Michelle Wise, Buzz Arnold, Maggie Swanson and Felipe Barrientos, guide the program. Mariposa FFA continues to stand out as a place where students are encouraged to grow, lead and believe in themselves. In a small town tucked away in the Sierra Nevada foothills, the agriculture department has become more than a program, it is a space where students find confidence, direction and support that reaches far beyond high school.

Learning That Feels Real and Personal

Mariposa FFA is built on hands-on learning that feels meaningful. Students are welding in the shop, studying animal science, creating floral designs and applying science in ways they can actually see and touch. Learning does not stop when the bell rings.

Through leadership conferences and travel experiences, students gain exposure to agriculture beyond their hometown. On their way to attend the National FFA Convention & Expo, members toured Oklahoma State University and Kansas State University, walking college campuses and learning about agricultural degree programs.

For many students, these moments are eye-opening, helping them picture futures they may not have thought were possible.

Mariposa FFA tours Oklahoma State University’s Ferguson College of Agriculture.

Opportunities That Open Doors

What truly sets Mariposa FFA apart is the range of opportunities it offers. Members are encouraged to step into career and leadership development events, such as creed speaking, job interview, agricultural issues, natural resources and public speaking. Livestock exhibitors are supported beyond the local level, as advisors are willing to take students to larger, more competitive shows to help them gain experience and confidence. This year, several members had the opportunity to show livestock at the Cow Palace Arena in California, an experience that challenged students and exposed them to a higher level of competition.

Whether it is trying a competition for the first time or stepping onto a bigger stage, members are consistently given chances to grow.

Leadership That Goes Beyond a Title

Leadership in Mariposa FFA is taken seriously. Chapter officers are held to a higher standard by their advisors and are expected to lead with purpose, not just hold a title. Officers actively engage with members in the classroom, around campus and during chapter meetings, making sure they feel welcomed and included. Advisors work closely with the officers to help them grow into confident leaders who make a real impact on their peers.

This intentional focus on leadership is a major reason the chapter continues to thrive and stay connected.

A Community That Makes it All Possible

The strength of Mariposa FFA would not exist without the support surrounding it. Local families, boosters and businesses play a major role in helping the chapter succeed. From supporting fundraisers, to showing up at events like the chapter dinner dance and donkey basketball, the community consistently steps in to help make opportunities possible. Their support allows students to participate, travel and experience everything FFA has to offer.

When visitors from other chapters come to Mariposa, they are often surprised by how much this small school accomplishes.

Mariposa FFA officers and advisors held their officer retreat in June 2025 at the Live Earth Farm.

Looking Forward With Pride

As a reporter for Mariposa FFA, writing this story feels personal. I hope that years from now, whether I am pursuing an agricultural degree or working in the industry, I can look back at this chapter and still feel proud. I hope Mariposa FFA continues to grow, lead and inspire members long after my time here ends.

With continued support from advisors, families, boosters and the community, I believe this chapter will remain strong in the hands of future leaders. Mariposa FFA may be a small school tucked away in the hills, but it is building big futures, and that impact will last for generations.