Centennial FFA brings home three state titles

Centennial High School’s FFA teams didn’t just show up to state—they carried expectations with them. After sweeping every invitational leading up to the competition, the pressure followed, and by the end of the weekend, it turned into three state championships. 

“We had won every invitational up to that point,” junior Jacob Hervol said. “So, there was almost more pressure on us because we had to keep it going.” 

Centennial secured titles in Nursery Landscape, Forestry, and Floriculture — a feat advisor Amber Ortiz said is rare at the state level. 

“To have three, it’s a pretty small chance,” Ortiz said. “It’s a big deal, especially considering our school is smaller than a lot of other programs.” 

The run was built over months. Students began preparing in October, practicing multiple times each week while balancing coursework and competition schedules. The preparation included studying plant identification, running mock competitions, and working through timed scenarios similar to those at state. 

“Just how much work goes into it,” sophomore Adriene Cervantes said. “We practiced for four or five months, two times a week. It was a lot of time put into this to try to win.” 

By the time state arrived, Centennial had already proven itself, but the final results still came down to execution. As placements were announced, the tension built with each team called off the stage, narrowing the field until only two remained. 

“And then it got down to just us and one other team,” Hervol said. “When they said the other team, we realized we actually won.” 

For Ortiz, the achievement reflects more than competitive success, pointing to growth in confidence, communication, and academic performance, especially among students who were initially hesitant to speak or participate. 

“Now they’re presenting, connecting with people and doing better in school,” Ortiz said. 

For Arleth Camunez, she said those lessons will carry forward, shaping how they approach challenges beyond the classroom.  

“It prepares you for real life,” Camunez said. “You learn how to talk to people, stay organized and handle pressure.” 

For some, the moment marked a first, reinforcing the value of the work put in throughout the season. 

“This is the first state championship I’ve had in anything,” Hervol said. “Seeing all the work pay off makes it worth it.” 

With the state competition complete, Centennial will now turn its attention to nationals in October, where it will represent New Mexico against top programs from across the country.