Schools

Poway High Alumna Wins Future Farmers of America State Award

Desiree Nihart worked on her award-winning project for five years.

Poway High School alumna Desiree Nihart was recognized for her service at her mother’s Beauty and the Beast pet grooming business at the 83rd annual California Future Farmers of America conference last week. She has worked at the shop, which is located on Poway Road, since she was 13 years old. 

Nihart received the Small Animal Production and Care Award for her five-year project. She worked on her project throughout high school, which consisted of being a pet grooming assistant at her mother’s shop.

“Not only is it state recognition for my chapter, but for my mom’s shop and for me,” Nihart said. “I’ve been working for quite a long time in my mom’s shop, and it was very exciting and interesting to go and do this and get credit for all my hard work.”

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Nihart competed against students from the local FFA chapter, San Diego section and Southern California region before being selected as one of the top three finalists in the state. During the state conference, Nihart, as well as the other finalists, had to go through an intensive, hour-long interview with the judges. She was judged on the skills she learned, the money she earned, her record books, application and pictures.

“I’m extremely proud of her,” said Mary Martineau, the FFA adviser and agriculture instructor at Poway High School. “To win at the state level is really, really tough. It’s not an easy thing. You have to have everything top notch and on the dot.”

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For two years, Martineau has guided Nihart throughout her project and application process. Nihart, who grew up on a ranch in Ramona, had previously worked with a different adviser before moving to Poway and transferring to Poway High School in order to be closer to her mother’s shop.

“She is awesome with the clientele; she is awesome with the animals,” said Jamie Clark, Nihart’s mother. “She’s a perfectionist and pays full attention to detail. She’s very courteous. Just to have her work for me has been great. … I’m incredibly proud that we’re building a wonderful future.”

Martineau, who calls her former student a “pro” when it comes to handling animals, often seeks advice from Nihart.

“I have her help me with my animals now,” Martineau said. “She’s taught me a lot.”

Nihart was one of the three state finalists last year, too. Now that she placed first, Nihart plans to apply for the national award. Winners from the states, as well as Puerto Rico and Guam, have the opportunity to apply. Judges select four finalists to compete, Martineau said.

“I was really surprised,” Nihart said. “I really waned to get in there and win this year. When they announced my name, it was awesome.”

Nihart said the project has helped prepare her for college. She is studying agricultural business and communications at Reedley College and plans to transfer to California State University, Fresno.

Nihart said she hopes to work for the United States Department of Agriculture as a public representative for agriculture.

“My project made me really excited about getting into agriculture,” she said. “In my sophomore year, I just jumped into it and loved it. I have a passion for agriculture and what it has to offer.”

Nihart received a plaque and $250 at the conference. Her mother, sister and adviser also attended to offer support.

“I love the fact that she found the opportunity to work for her mom,” Martineau said. “It’s almost even a bigger deal that she won because she won helping her family and supporting the business. That makes it even a little bit sweeter.”


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