COVINA, CA – Covina High School (CHS) Future Farmers of America (FFA) students showed off their knowledge, skills, and animals at the Chino Livestock Show from July 10-12, with many students earning recognition, prizes, and vital hands-on learning experience.

Eighteen Covina High students participated in the Chino Livestock Show, showcasing 30 animals over two days. The event marked the first time that three Covina High students advanced to master showmanship, highlighting their exceptional skills in handling their animals and their comprehensive knowledge of their lifestyle, nutrition, and habits.

“Seeing the growth of our students over their showing careers is incredibly rewarding,” Angie Bacon, Lead Agricultural Science teacher and FFA Advisor said. “It’s a journey of highs and life lessons, from freshmen experiencing their first show to incoming seniors like Cruz Soliz, who won first place in Advanced Swine Showmanship.”

Soliz was inspired to join Covina High’s Agriscience Career Technical Education pathway because of his mother, who was an officer with FFA in her time at CHS, and his grandfather, who owned a goat ranch in New Mexico.

“This type of lifestyle has always been in my blood and I wanted to continue in the family tradition,” Soliz said. “Winning first place for Advanced Swine Showmanship was a proud moment for me. It was exciting to represent Covina in such a competitive environment and to see my hard work pay off.”

Danielle Sanchez, a third-year FFA member and incoming junior, said she joined the Agriscience pathway because of her love for animals.

“Making it to master showmanship and winning first in both Novice Goat and Cattle Showmanship was an incredible achievement,” said Sanchez, whose market pig Brutus also won Champion Progress Swine. “I love showing livestock and can’t wait to do it more in the future.”

Incoming sophomore Aryanna Arteaga placed second in both Novice and Master Sheep Showmanship with her lamb, Ace. Arteaga joined the Agriscience pathway in pursuit of her dream to become a Livestock Veterinary Technician.

“We get so much hands-on experience at our on-campus farm, and I really feel like I’m getting a head start in my desired career,” Arteaga said. “I loved showing off how well Ace and I work together as a team at the fair and am very proud of our achievement!”

The Chino Livestock Show served as practice for students participating in the Orange County Fair at the end of July, where they will have the opportunity to sell the animals they have worked with over the past few months and keep the profit.

“The dedication and passion our students display in the Agriscience program is inspiring,” Covina-Valley Unified Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Eminhizer said. “Their hard work at the Chino Livestock Show demonstrates the valuable skills and lessons they are learning, and highlights their unlimited potential.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

CVUSD_FAIR1: From left: Covina High School students Aryanna Arteaga, Cruz Soliz, and Danielle Sanchez advanced to master showmanship at the Chino Livestock Show, highlighting their exceptional skills in handling their animals and their comprehensive knowledge of their lifestyle, nutrition, and habits.

CVUSD_FAIR2: Covina High School Future Farmers of America students pose with their market lambs at the Chino Livestock Show held from July 10-12. Eighteen CHS students participated in the show, showcasing 30 animals over two days.

CVUSD_FAIR3: Danielle Sanchez, a third-year FFA member and incoming 11th grader at Covina High School, showed her pig Brutus at the Chino Livestock Show where he earned Champion Progress Swine.