Angels Camp, CA…On May 4, 1973 the Bret Harte FFA was awarded their official FFA charter thus making this year their 50th year anniversary. In celebrating this achievement, the FFA chapter would like to honor their past, celebrate the present and motivate future FFA members. This year’s theme is “Building a Golden Foundation” and our first order of business was to acknowledge the contributions of two key community members. On May 23rd, the Bret Harte FFA sent forth a resolution to the school board to name the two agriculture properties after Mr. Roy C. Beck and Mr. Darrin Mills. The Bret Harte Union High School District adopted the resolution with a unanimous vote.

Without Mr. Beck’s years of service as the Chapter FFA Advisor, the Agriculture Science Center would not exist for students today. Mr. Beck cleared the property, leveled the ground and oversaw the construction of the barn, greenhouse and outdoor corral. Over the years the barn expanded to include a Rabbit Tree facility, area to raise poultry and aquaculture tanks for raising fish.

Darrin Mills, President of the Bret Harte FFA Boosters, was a key community member in the development of eight acres which became a large animal facility for students. Mr. Mills oversaw the construction of pasture fencing, hay barn, renovation of the office, and leveling of the hillside. His leadership and determination created a space for students to learn and gain experience.

These two men have helped our FFA chapter to build a “Golden Foundation” so that students can have the opportunity to gain life skills and awards in livestock production. On May 27th, 2022 Bret Harte FFA held their 49th annual Member and Buyer banquet at Ironstone where Mr. Beck and Mr. Mills were awarded signs that were designed and fabricated by former Bret Harte FFA chapter president, Amanda Hernandez.

They were acknowledged for their dedication and commitment to the Bret Harte FFA chapter. As Bret Harte FFA celebrates their 50th year, we want to acknowledge those who have paved the way for our chapter to be successful. The agriculture properties will now be known as the Darrin Mills Large Animal Facility and the Roy C. Beck Small Animal Facility.

The Bret Harte FFA chapter wholeheartedly is grateful to these gentlemen for “Building a Golden Foundation” for our members. Congratulations!