The Blanco FFA Chapter spent last week in Dallas attending the 81st Texas FFA Convention. This year’s convention set the all-time attendance record with over 11,000 FFA members from across the state in attendance. Eleven members from the local chapter attended the convention, where Blanco was fortunate to have several students recognized on stage for outstanding accomplishments over the past year.

On Tuesday, Kaleigh Anderson, Keaton Dodd, John Pepper and Brooks Wyatt were the first to be recognized on stage as they were awarded their State FFA Degrees. This is the highest individual honor that the state can award based on a student’s FFA accomplishments over the past three years.

Following the State FFA Degree ceremony, Blanco FFA members attended the State FFA Rodeo to watch Taylor Green compete in the finals. Overall, Taylor finished 4th in barrel racing and 11th in goat tying after competing against over 100 other contestants.

In addition to receiving their State FFA Degree, Kaleigh, Keaton, John, and Claire Klepac were also recognized on stage for winning the State FFA Livestock Judging Championship, while also being presented a plaque for their accomplishment and a check for $500 from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to help with travel costs to the National Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana in October.

Finally, senior FFA members Claire Klepac, Victoria Jones, Aaron Thomson, Katie Baker and Austin Smith were each awarded State FFA Scholarships in recognition of their academic and FFA achievements. Claire received a $15,000 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholarship, while Victoria and Aaron each received a $10,000 Dick Wallrath Scholarship. These same three seniors, along with Katie and Austin, also earned a $1,000 San Antonio Livestock Exposition Tour Guide Scholarship.

Also in attendance as a voting delegate was Blanco FFA member and Hill District FFA President Mindy Dechert and Blanco FFA advisors Jason and Felice Marek.