PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Calvert County Public Schools’ Future Farmers of America (FFA) students showcased their leadership and career skills at the Region 3 Leadership Development Events on March 21, 2025, earning multiple awards. Four students—Angelina Perez, Raleigh Sterling, Lilly Payne, and Lola Brito—stood out in their respective categories, demonstrating the strength of Calvert’s agricultural education program.
Angelina Perez took home a gold medal in the Senior Prepared Speech competition, securing her spot at the Maryland FFA State Convention in June. Raleigh Sterling earned a silver medal in Employment Skills and will also advance to the state competition. Lilly Payne and Lola Brito both received bronze medals in Employment Skills, rounding out a strong performance for the Calvert team. “These students have shown exceptional dedication and skill,” the Calvert County Public Schools announced, highlighting their achievements.
On April 4, 2025, another group of Calvert FFA students competed in the Farm Business Management Career Development Event during the Spring Judging competition. The team, consisting of Lilly Payne, Raleigh Sterling, Angelina Perez, and Penelope Pugner, placed fourth overall. Individual results were impressive, with Lilly Payne earning second place, Raleigh Sterling taking fifth, Angelina Perez finishing 12th, and Penelope Pugner placing 16th. The event tested students’ knowledge of agricultural business principles, from financial planning to market analysis, preparing them for future careers in the industry.
The Maryland FFA Association also recognized three Calvert students—Eljah Mason, Penelope Pugner, and Lilly Payne—as recipients of the 2025 Gift of Blue Jacket program. This prestigious award honors students for their dedication, service, and leadership potential, providing them with the iconic FFA blue jacket as a symbol of their commitment. “The Gift of Blue Jacket program celebrates students who embody the values of FFA,” the association stated, praising the honorees’ contributions to their chapter and community.
Calvert County’s FFA program, based at Calvert High School, is part of a national organization that fosters leadership, personal growth, and career readiness through agricultural education. The Region 3 Leadership Development Events, held annually, bring together FFA chapters from across Maryland to compete in areas like public speaking, job interview skills, and parliamentary procedure. The Spring Judging competition, including the Farm Business Management event, challenges students to apply practical skills in real-world agricultural scenarios.
The success of Calvert’s FFA students reflects the district’s commitment to career and technical education, supported by Superintendent Dr. Andraé Townsel and the school board. With a student population of approximately 15,000, Calvert County Public Schools emphasizes hands-on learning to prepare students for diverse career paths. The FFA chapter’s achievements align with the district’s #CalvertShines initiative, which celebrates student excellence.
As Perez and Sterling prepare for the state convention, their teammates continue to build on their skills for future competitions. The Gift of Blue Jacket recipients will represent Calvert at upcoming FFA events, showcasing the leadership and community service that define the organization. The Calvert FFA chapter’s strong showing in both leadership and career development events positions its members as rising stars in Maryland’s agricultural community.
