The newly installed 2026-27 Live Oak High School FFA officer team poses during the annual banquet. Pictured from left are Historian Esme Diaz, Treasurer Deangela Herrera, Secretary Alondra Lara, President Anna Martinez, Vice President Sam Contreras, Reporter Meridith Bole and Sentinel Zach Contreras. Photo by Seti Long

LIVE OAK, CA (MPG) - Live Oak High School FFA hosted its annual FFA Banquet on Thursday, May 14, recognizing student accomplishments and installing new chapter officers for the 2026-27 school year.

The annual banquet serves as a celebration of the chapter’s activities and achievements throughout the school year. This year’s event also marked a period of transition for the program following the retirement of longtime FFA adviser Dan Johnson.

After the meeting opened in traditional FFA fashion with officers stationed at their posts, FFA Adviser Stephanie Allan addressed attendees and noted that the evening would differ from previous years.

Incoming 2026-27 Live Oak High School FFA officers serve dinner to outgoing officers before the annual banquet opened to guests. Photo by Seti Long

With first-year teacher Emilio Smith stepping into the adviser role, the chapter chose to support a local business by having Steve Alvarado cater for the dinner instead of hosting the traditional adviser-led barbecue.

A highlight of the banquet each year is the recognition of outgoing officers and the installation of incoming leadership. Several students also were recognized for serving in leadership positions at the state, regional and sectional levels.

Former LOHS FFA President Paulina Martinez became the first Live Oak student in 81 years to serve as a state FFA officer.

Allan said the accomplishment helped restore momentum to the chapter following setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2025-26 Live Oak High School FFA officer team stands together before handing leadership roles to the incoming officers during the annual FFA Banquet on May 14. Pictured from left are Historian Alondra Lara, Reporter Anna Martinez, Secretary Jiya Rai, President Paulina Martinez, Vice President Aidan Berg, Treasurer Abby Goodman and Sentinel Natalie Contreras. Photo by Seti Long

Allan also recognized Paulina Martinez and her sister, Anna Martinez, for their leadership during the 2025-26 school year. Anna Martinez will serve as chapter president for the 2026-27 term.

Allan said the chapter will feel the loss of graduating seniors Aiden Berg, Jiya Rai and Natalie Contreras as younger members move into leadership roles.

Berg will continue serving as regional sentinel during the 2026-27 year after graduating from Live Oak High School later this month.

Other honors included Zach Contreras receiving the Star Greenhand award. State Degree recipients included Berg, Anna Martinez and Falisity Hurst.

Alondra Lara, left, and Abby Goodman welcome guests to the 2026 Live Oak High School FFA Banquet. Photo by Seti Long

The evening concluded with a slideshow presentation and installation of the new officer team.

Outgoing officers included President Paulina Martinez, Vice President Aiden Berg, Secretary Jiya Rai, Treasurer Abby Goodman, Reporter Anna Martinez, Sentinel Natalie Contreras and Historian Alondra Lara.

“We would like to say thank you and offer you a token of our appreciation,” said Allan. “We wish you all well in your future endeavors and you get to rock the cord and represent FFA at Graduation.”

Allan said five of the seven incoming officers are new to their positions.

Installed officers for the 2026-27 school year are President Anna Martinez, Vice President Sam Contreras, Secretary Alondra Lara, Treasurer Deangela Herrera, Reporter Meridith Bole, Sentinel Zach Contreras and Historian Esme Diaz.