Bits of nature break through the concrete across Granada Hills Charter (GHC), where streams of sunlight filter through the leaves of the lime and pomegranate trees nestled between the M buildings. For students interested in studying the world around them, GHC’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter offers opportunities to move beyond the classroom through field skills, leadership activities, and competitions.
Established last year, the chapter gives students a chance to explore agriculture and environmental science through activities such as forestry and Envirothon. Members prepare for events that combine subject knowledge with practical skills, working both individually and as a team.
The chapter’s founding coincides with GHC’s new environmental pathway, which includes courses such as Environmental Biology and Environmental Chemistry. The pathway introduces students to subjects connected to careers in conservation, national park management, and wildlife management.
Students who take AP Environmental Sciences with chapter advisor Wendy Hagan may secure a direct spot onto the team; alternatively, students can reach out to their counselors for more information.
For junior Veronica Vestly, joining FFA meant trying something unfamiliar and finding people willing to help.
“Everyone was kind and easy to talk to whenever I had questions,” Vestly said. “FFA is different from anything I’ve ever done, I get to wear formal jackets and build bonds.”
“My favorite part of FFA are travel conferences.” President Sam Revivez said, Members also travel to conferences, over the course of four days, where they meet students from other chapters. One of the chapter’s major conference destinations is Ontario, California.
Competitions include both team-based and individual assessments of knowledge and field skills. Depending on the event, students may judge livestock, examine soil texture, or even identify cheeses. The preparation for these competitions requires regular commitment and teamwork where they study information as well as practice how to evaluate what they observe.
The chapter meets every Monday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Members also study independently as they prepare for competitions, with additional events planned for 2027.
Although competition preparation requires regular commitment and teamwork, club president and senior Sam Reviez said members have some flexibility in how they become involved.
“It really is what you make of it…it’s catered to individual students,” Reviez said.
Future Farmers of America’s activities extend beyond farming to subjects such as forestry, soil, and environmental science. For students like Vestly and Reviez, that range provides a chance to explore unfamiliar interests while building connections with teammates.
