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Gilroy High FFA students showcase agricultural program amid growing participation and awards
Summary
Gilroy High's FFA chapter presented its three-ring agricultural program model, reported increased membership and competitive successes, and outlined hands-on classes, supervised agricultural experiences and community events including a community farm day that drew 1,400 attendees.
Students and teachers from Gilroy High School presented the FFA (Future Farmers of America) program to the board, highlighting growth, diversity and hands-on learning. The chapter's officer team and advisers explained the program's three components—classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience (SAE) projects and FFA leadership—and described coursework (science, vet science, farm-to-table, floral design) and student-run activities such as community farm day.
FFA adviser Aaliyah Paleo and officers including McKenna Cooper and Francisco Diaz reviewed outcomes from the last school year and current year data: the chapter reported roughly 321 members (a cited 42.6% increase year-to-year), a chapter investment figure of about $79,000, nearly 2,900 community service hours and an economic impact value the presenters said was about $232,000. Students described SAE options (exploratory, research, placement, entrepreneurship) and gave examples ranging from a greenhouse project to a student-run landscaping business.
Trustees praised the student presentations, asked about the role of AI in agricultural research and curriculum, and thanked advisers for outreach work such as middle-school recruitment and the community farm day. Trustee Gabriella Kim noted the event's strong family turnout; trustees asked clarifying questions about program costs, how economic impact is calculated (AET online record book) and pathways from CTE coursework to college or careers.
The board expressed support for the chapter; trustees noted the program's contribution to college-and-career readiness and community engagement. Presenters said the program had multiple state and regional award recipients in recent years, listed planned fundraisers and overnight trips, and thanked the board for the opportunity to present.
The board took no formal action on the presentation; staff will continue to support the FFA program through district CTE and CTE-adjacent efforts.
