The Lyndon B. Johnson High School FFA Poultry Evaluation Team has achieved a historic milestone, shattering long-standing records for both South Texas and the city of Laredo at the State Career Development Events (CDE) in College Station.

After defeating 40 schools from across South Texas to be crowned Area X Champions, the team advanced to the state level as one of 26 elite teams representing Area X across various disciplines. Out of those 26 teams, the LBJ FFA program was the sole representative to secure a Top 10 finish, marking the first time in 11 years an Area X poultry team has reached that rank, and the first time in history a Laredo school has placed in the Top 10 for any CDE.

"This achievement is a monumental win for our students, our school, and the entire Laredo community," said Adalberto G. Nava II, FFA Advisor and Coach. "Beating 40 schools to win Area X was an incredible feat, but going to College Station and breaking a city-wide drought that has lasted for generations is truly special.” 

While the state ranking is a historic achievement, the impact of this program goes far deeper than a trophy. This success serves as a perfect example of the FFA "Three-Circle Model," which combines classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experiences, and leadership development to help students find their true North.

For team members, Valeria Rios, Abel Vergara, and Joselyn Garza, the Poultry Evaluation CDE was the spark that ignited a lifelong passion and possible career path. Their technical knowledge in the classroom translated directly into massive success at the Laredo International Fair & Exposition, where they dominated the poultry shows:

● Valeria Rios: Earned the prestigious titles of Grand Champion Turkey Hen and Grand Champion Roaster Chicken, and showmanship.

● Abel Vergara: Secured the title of Reserve Grand Champion Pen of Broilers.

● Joselyn Garza: Placed successfully with her poultry projects, contributing to the team’s sweep of the winner’s circle.

For Senior Valeria Rios, the accomplishment represented years of dedication, sacrifice, and support from her family and Mr. Nava. She shares how the team felt when they called out L.B. Johnson FFA in ninth place at College Station.  

“Oh my gosh. It was honestly incredible,” Rios said. “It took a lot of time, a lot of tears, a lot of birds, and a lot of feed. My family traveled all over Texas to help me learn and improve, and in the end, it all paid off.”

While the awards were memorable, Rios said making history alongside her team members meant even more.

“To break new records for Laredo is honestly one of the biggest achievements I’ve had so far,” Rios added. “Because now we have our younger generations that are coming in and hopefully they will continue to build on what we started.”

The journey doesn’t end in Laredo. Having found their "Passion for Poultry" through the LBJ FFA program, all three students now plan to attend Texas A&M University to major in Poultry Science. Their goals have shifted from competing in high school to becoming future collegiate judges, aiming to represent the Aggies on the national stage.

“It has taken us three years of hard work and persistence to get to this point, and it proves the importance of a supportive administration, a dedicated coach, involved parents, and, most of all, accountable and committed students,” Nava added. “The success of this team is a direct result of parents, my colleagues, and the district administration supporting our team’s vision and goals. Thank you for giving us the opportunity!"

Rios also credited Nava’s mentorship and dedication as a driving force behind the team’s success, noting the countless hours he invested in helping them prepare and grow both inside and outside of the classroom. “I promised him that if I won two buckles, I would give him one,” she said. “I ended up winning three, so now I have to decide which one to give him.” 

This transition from high school evaluation to a professional career path highlights why supporting Agricultural Education and FFA events is vital. These programs provide the necessary framework to assist, support, and encourage our youth to find a pathway to their passion.

The LBJ FFA secures 9th place in Poultry Evaluation at State Competition. Pictured from left to right: Instructor, Mr. Adlaberto Nava, Valeria Rios, Emilio Gonzalez, Abel Vergara, Eithen Montemayor, and Joselyn Garza.