Fairfield, CA – Rodriguez High School’s Veterinary Science team is racking up the wins at regional competitions this spring.
The Veterinary Science team is in its third year at Rodriguez. Vet Science is part of the high school’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) program, an intracurricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership. The team competes at Field Day events throughout the region, which give students the opportunity to test their knowledge and skills against other teams from across the state.
The team’s track record this spring includes a first-place overall finish at the Golden State Field Day at Santa Rosa Junior College, fourth place at Chico State Field Day, and a third-place Practicum win at Arbuckle Field Day. At Golden State, team members Halie Becker-Floresca got first place individually, Laci Claire Siruno got second place individually, and Jazelle Camacho got fifth place individually.
"I am so proud of this team and what they've accomplished this year,” said teacher and team coach Mrs. Taylor Prestousa. “They've been very serious about showing what Rodriguez High is made of, and you can tell! I can't wait to see how they'll do at State Finals."
During each contest, students sit for a 50-question exam, or practicum, about veterinary topics, and take an ID quiz where they must identify over 120 different animals, veterinary equipment, and parasites. Lastly, students must perform physical tasks in front of a judge demonstrating veterinary skills such as removing sutures, administering injections, or preparing equipment packs for surgery.
"Being on the team has been a highlight of my high school life,” Jazelle Camacho,a junior, said. “Vet science has taught me incredible things that I can use long term."
After competing at UC Davis on March 8, the team will head to the FFA State Judging Finals at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in May.
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