October was an exciting and busy month for the Pitman FFA Chapter, filled with competitions, community involvement, leadership development, and chapter growth. From opening and closing competitions to the annual car show, Pitman FFA members demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and dedication throughout every event.
To kick off the month, Pitman FFA held its monthly committee meetings on Oct. 6 and 13. These meetings allowed members to contribute to various chapter teams, including fundraising, special events, social media, and recruitment. Students worked on creating posters, writing articles such as this one, organizing community events, and planning future activities for the chapter and community. These meetings help members strengthen their communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills while ensuring every student has a chance to get involved.
On Oct. 8, Pitman FFA hosted its annual event at RAM Farms in Turlock. Members enjoyed fall festivities such as the giant corn maze, which was themed around an Egyptian pharaoh this year. There were pumpkins of all sizes, a haunted house called “The Pharaoh’s Curse,” and plenty of fun for students and families. Members who attended earned an activity credit while enjoying an evening of community and seasonal fun.
On Oct. 13, seven of our freshmen members attended the Greenhand Leadership Conference (GLC) at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds in Turlock. They joined nine other schools, including Denair, Dos Palos, Hughson, and Los Banos High School, for a full day of leadership workshops, games, and bonding activities. Students spent the day meeting new people, earning points through fun challenges, and learning more about our organization, FFA. The event also included brisket and pulled pork lunch. Overall, GLC was an unforgettable experience.
On Oct. 15, 42 of our members competed at the Tri-Rivers Opening and Closing Ceremonies Contest hosted at Orestimba High School in Newman. Pitman proudly brought seven teams, three novice, three intermediate, and one advanced to compete against 11 other schools, including Turlock, Denair, Hughson etc. The Novice Team A placed 4th and Team B placed 3rd. The Intermediate Team A placed 4th and Team B placed 5th, while the Advanced Team placed 6th overall. Several members also received individual recognition, for novice Violeta Lara earned Outstanding President, Melissa Rivas Davila earned Outstanding Reporter, Emma Karim earned Outstanding Secretary, and Caleb Mutchler earned Outstanding Reporter for the Intermediate Division.
Congratulations to all members who completed, building public speaking skills one competition at a time.
Pitman FFA hosted its annual Car Show on Oct. 18 at Pitman High School. Students, families, and community members showcased classic cars, tractors, and even students bringing their own cars. The trophies were created by our Welding advisor, Mr. Kemps, and his welding and fabrication class, for the best vehicles in their respective categories. There was a wide variety of food vendors, including Tacos, fresh lemonade, and Wetzel’s Pretzels, and some on-campus clubs putting together their own booths, such as Home Ec and HYLC.
The event also featured our Fall Festival, which included carnival games, a petting zoo, and the horticulture class selling plants from our greenhouse. The event brought together students and the community for a fun day celebrating local cars.
On Oct. 18, Price Ford held its annual Ford Drive 4 U event at the car show. Participants had the opportunity to test drive Ford vehicles, and each drive generated a $20 donation for the Pitman FFA and the Hispanic Youth Leadership Council (HYLC). The event was a great success, with over 100 test drives completed. Pitman FFA extends its gratitude to everyone who participated and helped raise funds to support local programs.
Starting on Oct. 21 Pitman FFA joined other chapters in the Tri-Rivers Section Canned Food Drive to help families in need during the Thanksgiving season. Members are encouraged to donate canned goods before the drive ends on November 4, 2025. Every donation helps make a difference and supports those in need within the community.
On Oct. 24, Pitman FFA members attended the Denair Sectional Trunk or Treat event. Pitman’s Toy Story-themed group costume won 3rd place in the group contest. The event featured 20–30 decorated cars and trucks, a swine petting zoo, and a haunted walk through for kids. Members enjoyed dressing up, collecting candy, and connecting with other chapters for a night full of Halloween fun.
Pitman FFA is proud of all the accomplishments its members achieved in October, from competitions and leadership events to community outreach and teamwork. The chapter looks forward to an exciting November filled with even more opportunities to grow, serve, and lead.
— Contributing Writers: Yosgart Toledo-Farias· Andrea Arias · Emma Karim · Salvador L. · Kinsley Latter · Madilyn Veazey · Rafael Barrera · Anahi Padilla · Isaias Diaz · Madelynn Elizabeth Heimsoth · Clara Fey · Kawailehua Lopez-Kunewa · Eduardo Verduzco
