March 24, 2026

Once again, Hughson High School ranked among the best at the annual Occupational Olympics and Career Exposition, hosted by the Stanislaus County Office of Education, Stanislaus Partners in Education, Stanislaus County Fair, Modesto Junior College, local business and industry, and school districts countywide. Hughson High School won the Small School Overall Award, with Junior Logan Rossi taking third place in Agricultural Equipment Technology.

Rossi has competed in Agriculture Equipment Technology since his freshman year. “He is one of our current FFA Officers and has demonstrated strong personal and professional growth so far in high school,” Hughson High School teacher Brett Baker said.

The 40th Annual Stanislaus County Occupational Olympics and Career Exposition was held on March 19 at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds. Over 1,000 students from Stanislaus County high schools participated in 16 competitive events. An additional 40 business/industry representatives exhibited and spoke to students during the Career Expo.

The Occupational Olympics are designed to promote academic and occupational understanding across various career areas and to recognize high school students who excel in their mastery of skills. During the competition, school site staff and representatives from local business and industry judge students in 16 competitive events. With over 35 students from Hughson competing in contests in areas including Job Seeking Skills, Welding, Small Engines, Salad Prep, Floral, and Agriculture Equipment Technology, the school’s high number of contestants and overall placings helped Hughson earn the Small School Award.

Students prepare through the course curriculum, in-class instruction, and after-school practices leading up to the event. “Each contest area has a staff member and/or volunteers directly involved with preparing our Hughson for success at the competition,” Hughson High School teacher Kelly Larson said. “For example, our Ag Equipment Technology students have been practicing since January every Pack Time period. They have been operating equipment, completing Tool ID lessons, and reviewing equipment safety practices. The Floriculture students are enrolled in the Advanced Floral class and practice a specific skill set using the curriculum taught in that class, such as corsage and arrangement design practices, tool ID, and flower ID.”

In Agriculture Equipment Technology, students like Rossi completed a General Knowledge Test, Safety Test, Tractor Components Identification, Agriculture Sprayer Components Identification, Almond Shaker Operation, Tractor Backing Operation, and Skid Steer Operation with a material handling component. “All of these parts of the contest are directly related to the current industry standard and demonstrate a desirable set of skills that stakeholders desire for their potential employees,” Baker said.

Competitors are rated on their knowledge of their field of interest, ability to perform tasks using appropriate tools, and employability skills. “Hughson High School Students are continuously pushing their limits to excel and compete in the classroom and beyond,” Baker said. “The number of students who consistently participate in this annual contest is a true testament to the dedication our students and staff have to the betterment of themselves, our campus community, and the community of Hughson as a whole.”