The 2024-25 Bear River FFA Chapter officer team at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, from left to right: Faith Escoto, Wyatt Thompson, Kristi Brink, Dakota Graham, Viviana Velazquez, Malia Spotts and Audra Paasch.
Every year, officer teams select a theme to guide their membership. For the 2024-25 Bear River FFA Chapter officer team, however, the concept of a “theme” felt limiting. The team named their theme “Unwritten” not because the song was trending but because they wanted their members to create their own paths. This theme fosters understanding and acceptance of all members while encouraging them to remain open-minded.
By focusing on core values, the officers empower members to become proactive leaders and explore their unique FFA journeys within Bear River FFA.
Bear River FFA Chapter President Faith Escoto: Authenticity
Escoto believes in the importance of authenticity in trust and credibility. “When leaders are genuine and true to their values, they inspire and motivate their team more effectively,” she says. Escoto also believes it “is essential for long-term success and for building strong, functional relationships.”
Bear River FFA Chapter Vice President Wyatt Thompson: Gratitude
Thompson sees gratitude as more than just receiving. “It’s also about what we give,” he says. Showing appreciation for others also sets the foundation for strong relationships and positivity. “When we express gratitude for the opportunities we have, we become more mindful of our responsibilities and more motivated to make the most of them,” he adds.
Bear River FFA Chapter Secretary Kristi Brink: Respect
Brink stands for respect, which is shown through fairness and openness. “It’s listening to others, valuing their perspectives and being mindful of how your actions affect those around you,” she says. “You should always be respectful, and maybe you will brighten someone’s day.”
Bear River FFA Chapter Treasurer Dakota Graham: Honesty
Graham sets honesty as her fundamental core value to receive fair communication and promote leadership. “If we embrace honesty as a core value, we can tremendously impact individuals, organizations and local communities,” she says. “While honesty is a word we use often in our vocabulary, it is extremely impactful when put into place.”
Bear River FFA Chapter Reporter Viviana Velazquez: Integrity
Velazquez values integrity as a moral compass and a guide for her FFA journey. “Integrity sets boundaries for who we are as individuals,” she says. “It reminds me to give my best effort and stay true to my beliefs, even in challenging moments.” By setting the example, she hopes to encourage members to grow alongside her chapter.
Bear River FFA Chapter Sentinel Malia Spotts: Confidence
Spotts radiates confidence, helping her to be goal-oriented, determined and achieve her dreams. “Let us have confidence in all that we do, and let us inspire others to do the same,” she adds. “It’s a choice to believe in ourselves (and our potential) and to take risks, step out of our comfort zones, and push ourselves to new heights.”
Bear River FFA Chapter Historian Audra Paasch: Citizenship
Paasch embodies citizenship, contributing a lasting positivity to her chapter by spreading awareness and being prepared to step up when needed. “As FFA members, we are already in a special, united community, but there is always more we can do,” she says. “We can strive to uphold the values of honesty, compassion and justice.”
By installing their core values, Bear River FFA officers invite members to shape their paths and embrace the opportunities FFA offers.
