Achievers

Members from the Jacksonville FFA chapter attended the 80th annual Texas FFA Convention in Lubbock on July 15-18.

Jacksonville FFA members who attended the convention are as follows: Cody Bolton, Lana McKinney, Kaitlyn Thompson, Rechelle Dwyer, Colton Maldonado, and Amber Cooper.

The theme for this year's convention was Ignite the Flame. For 80 years, FFA members have accomplished their dreams and been successful through the FFA. Members of the agricultural youth leadership organization spent the week attending leadership workshops, participating in events and activities, being recognized for their achievements and serving as the legislative body for the Texas FFA Association.

Members were welcomed by Lubbock Mayor, Tom Martin and Texas Tech University Chancellor, Kent Hance. Members also heard from Texas Tech quarterback, Graham Harrell.

For the first time in Texas FFA history, National FFA Advisor, Larry D. Case, brought remarks from the National FFA Organization. Country music artists Eli Young Band performed exclusively for FFA members July 15.

The convention funneled a projected $4 million into the Lubbock economy.

The convention would not have been possible without the continued efforts of the Texas FFA Convention Host Committee. The host committee was assembled from key leaders within the host city. The 2008 host committee was chaired by Lubbock County Commissioner Patti Jones. Dr. William F. "Bill"� Bennett served as honorary chairman.

More than $2 million in scholarships were awarded to FFA members and more than 1,300 members received the Lone Star FFA Degree, the highest degree of active membership bestowed by a state FFA association. Members also competed for state titles in public speaking and agriscience events.

The Texas FFA has evolved from an organization focusing primarily on production agriculture, to a broader-based encompassing organization that addresses the needs and interests of students in urban and suburban schools in addition to the rural communities from which FFA rose in 1929.

The transformation of FFA is evident through programs like the Texas FFA Agriscience Fair. The agriscience fair fuses the traditional science fair with agriculture.

FFA members conduct cutting edge agricultural research to compete in categories such as biochemistry, environmental science, zoology, botany and engineering.

Throughout the week, a total of 10,084 members and guests registered at the convention. The Texas FFA is one of the nation's largest state FFA associations with a membership of more than 63,000 and approximately 990 FFA chapters.

FFA gives students the opportunity to apply practical classroom knowledge to real world experiences through local, state and national competitions.

For more information about the Texas FFA Association visit www.texasffa.org. If you would like more information about the Jacksonville FFA chapter, call 903-586-1021.