A group of students pose with Fresno County Superintendent of School and Board of Education education leaders during a board meeting, standing in front of the board dais.

Case Studies

January Superintendent's Superstar

The Clovis FFA Meat Evaluation and Technology Team achieved an extraordinary and historic accomplishment this year by being named the Overall National Champions at the 2025 National FFA Career Development Finals. Representing the State of California at Purdue University, the team faced off against 42 top-ranking teams from across the nation and emerged best in the country. This exceptional team is composed of four outstanding students: Kayla Dias, a senior at Clovis High; Kenny Dias, a sophomore at Clovis East; Faith Collup, a senior at Clovis East; and Chris Lane, a 2025 graduate of Clovis East. Together, these members dedicated countless hours to preparing for the national competition, practicing six days a week since June to master the rigorous components of the Meat Evaluation contest.

Their competition required a deep understanding of the meat industry, including evaluating beef, pork, lamb and processed meat products, ranking carcasses and wholesale cuts, identifying retail cuts based on quality and workmanship, and demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of meat history, food safety, nutrition and federal USDA and FDA regulations. Their disciplined preparation and commitment to excellence were evident throughout the event. Individually, each team member earned national recognition for their performance.

Kayla Dias was named the 1st High Individual in the Nation; Kenny Dias was placed as the 2nd High Individual; Faith Collup earned 4th High Individual; and Chris Lane placed 13th overall. Their combined excellence secured the prestigious National Champion Team Title, marking the 12th National Meat Evaluation Championship in Clovis Unified’ s history and the first since 2010. The team was honored on stage before tens of thousands at Lucas Oil Stadium during the National FFA Convention and Expo, where they received medals, a national plaque and $1,000 scholarships each. Their achievement stands as a testament to their perseverance, character, and commitment to excellence, and it reinforces Clovis Unified’ s longstanding tradition of agricultural leadership.