Rhianna Cooper, Jonathan Nelson, and Addy Todd of the Longview FFA Chapter, were awarded the Lone Star FFA Degree in at the 89th annual Texas FFA Convention in Corpus Christi, Texas. The Lone Star FFA Degree is the highest degree bestowed by the Texas FFA.
The Lone Star FFA Degree recognizes FFA members who have received the Chapter degree, been active FFA members for at least two years, completed at least four semesters of agricultural science at or above the ninth grade level, maintained a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program, demonstrated their leadership skills, and have shown a commitment to the FFA through involvement at the chapter level and above. Rhianna Cooper, Jonathan Nelson, and Addy Todd were three of more than 2,400 FFA members to receive this esteemed degree.
“In the last three years, Longview FFA Chapter has had six students get this degree and two of those six earned their American FFA Degree which is a national honor,” said FFA Advisor, John Denson. “These students work extremely hard through their four years in high school and into college to receive these honors. FFA is not just building a farmer any more; it is an organization that helps build leaders, run businesses, and build skills that will help these students beyond their high school years.”
The 89th annual Texas FFA Convention recorded approximately 12,000 members and guests. Members of the state’s largest 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.
The Texas FFA is the nation’s largest state FFA association with a membership of more than 119,000. FFA gives students the opportunity to apply practical classroom knowledge to real world experiences through local, state and national competitions.