Sixteen members of the Lindale FFA chapter attended the 86th annual Texas FFA Convention in Fort Worth July 14-18.

“State Convention provides students networking and leadership development opportunities,” ag science teacher Rebecca Curry said. “The convention offers students numerous opportunities to connect with other members around the entire state and grow their leadership potential.”

The 2014 convention included the state speaking contests, the talent contest and the Texas FFA rodeo. Recent graduate and retired Lindale FFA President, Dylan Bacon, won the Senior Prepared Public Speaking event and is the state champion. Alli Harris was also recognized for winning the state championship (in December) in Creed Speaking. Bacon will represent Texas this October at The National FFA Leadership Development Event held in conjunction with The National FFA Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.

“I’ve done public speaking contests for four years and have been beaten countless times,” Bacon said. “I was overwhelmed. Finally reaching this goal is indescribable.”

Lindale had even more honors bestowed upon them at convention. Sierra Maynard and Dylan Bacon earned their Lone Star Degrees and Rebecca Curry earned her Honorary Lone Star Degree.

“To earn your honorary Lone Star Degree as a teacher, you have to teach for three years, advise three students who obtained their Lone Star Degree and participate in LDEs and CDEs on a district and area level,” Curry said.

FFA members also attended a kickoff concert by the Casey Donahew band, a hypnotist show, and a convention dance. The students heard speeches from renowned keynote speakers like Senator Dan Patrick and Commissioner of Agriculture Todd Staples, and retiring addresses from the 2013-2014 Texas FFA officer team. They witnessed the induction of the 2014-2015 officer team and the election of the State President and First Vice President who will serve as the Texas FFA travel team .

“Each time I attend state convention, it reignites my passion for the organization,” Lindale FFA President Kayla Fields said. “State Convention reminds us why we put so much hard work into the FFA and why it is the best student-led organization in the country. Members who attend learn about leadership and that we can make a difference.”