Assistant Principal Joni McGinnis is one of six people chosen for the state Regional Star Administrator of the California Association of FFA for 2013. The leadership award was given during this summer to people from the six districts of the California FFA for the reason of being dedicated to the FFA program in the high schools from the six regions.

This award is given to very few people and they have to earn it by having constant participation in FFA activities that the school is involved in.

“The award is designed to recognize administrators who go above and beyond to provide opportunities for their students and the chapter to grow and improve,” as stated in the California Association FFA Star Administrator Application.

It was McGinnis’ third attempt to win the award that usually has in excess of 300 applicants.

“There us this whole other process for being nominated, and then it goes to a panel for judging, then they interview the head of the Tracy FFA chapter about me,” McGinnis said. “It was the kids that nominated me, to me that means a whole lot more than the award itself.”

The process for competing for this award is quite long, there are multiple steps a participant must go through to be nominated for the award. The participant must be an active participant in FFA events, must be well known with the students, and must be eligible to apply. The application consists of 40 signatures that the participant will need.

“This award is an honor, I was fortunate enough to receive it because the students of FFA vote for who can apply,” McGinnis said. “Just knowing that the students voted for me means the world, it seems like I received an award for doing something I love doing.”

“The title/award means a lot because it is not me that’s saying that I deserve it,” McGinnis said. “It’s the students and teachers that wanted me to win.”

Gallery • 2 Photos

Jodi McGinnis showing her plaque