SACRAMENTO, Calif. – With tears streaming down his face, 18-year-old Luis Gonzalez was speechless when his name was called as FFA Master Showmanship winner at the 2025 California State Fair on July 13. He also won Reserve Champion Wether Dam Doe.
"I just couldn’t believe it! There was a lot of tough competition out there," said Gonzalez. "But I’ve learned that hard work will take you anywhere.”
In this moving moment during the awards ceremony, Tom Martinez, CEO of the California Exposition & State Fair, witnessed Gonzalez’s raw emotion firsthand. “This young man was shocked when his name was called,” Martinez said. “You could see the pride flowing through his tears of excitement and disbelief. He earned this moment.”
Gonzalez's story is one of perseverance, family sacrifice, and resilience. His journey began when he was just nine-years-old, showing animals in local 4-H programs. He started entering more competitive shows in high school. Without access to the necessary equipment to help develop winning animals like grooming supplies, feeding and watering supplies, show equipment, and general supplies, he adjusted his methods and trained harder. His turning point came when he bought a wether and was gifted a doe earlier this year. He started raising and working with her in January of 2025, dedicating countless hours before and after school.
Gonzalez's journey hasn’t been without setbacks. In August 2023, while returning from the California Youth Ag Expo in Tulare, his family’s vehicle was t-boned and flipped five times. Luis was in a coma for a week, suffered a foot injury, and missed the first two weeks of his junior year while recovering in a medical boot. But instead of giving up, he came back stronger.
"If you stay focused and put in the effort, you can achieve anything," said Gonzalez.
His success didn’t come alone. His entire family played a role in his achievements. His mother works long hours harvesting lettuce in the Salinas Valley, and his father supports the household through tree service labor. His older brother Jesus has been by his side every step of the way, attending shows, and motivating him to keep pushing forward.
A recent graduate of Salinas High School, Gonzalez will attend Modesto Junior College this fall, continuing his agricultural journey with a focus on animal science. To other young agriculturalists, Gonzalez offers this advice, “Always be around people who make you better. Ask questions. Learn everything you can. That’s how you grow.”
"The California State Fair is proud to celebrate young leaders like Luis," said Martinez. "These are individuals who represent the best of California’s agricultural heritage, dedication, and heart."
