This past week found the Blanco FFA Chapter recognized 12 different times at the annual State FFA Convention. This year’s convention was held on the Texas Tech University Campus in Lubbock. Overall, more than 10,000 FFA members from across the state were in attendance.

On Tuesday, the first members to be honored on stage were those receiving their State FFA Degrees. The Lone Star FFA Degree is the highest honor the state can give. Blanco FFA members receiving this honor were: Victoria Jones, Claire Klepac, and Aaron Thomson. Also meeting the qualifications, but unable to attend, were Katie Baker and Austin Smith.

Wednesday would find two more local students recognized as Victoria Jones and Kaleigh Anderson would be honored at “Stars Night”. Victoria was awarded the Star Lone Star Award for Area VII as the outstanding third year FFA member, while Kaleigh was named the Star Chapter Farmer for Area VII, recognizing the most outstanding second year student. In addition to being recognized on stage at the convention, Victoria and Kaleigh were also honored at a banquet earlier that day.

Finally, on Thursday, the Blanco FFA saw four of its members recognized on stage as they were presented $29,000 in scholarships. Alisa Guler, who will be attending Texas A&M in the fall, was awarded a $15,000 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Scholarship along with a $1,000 San Antonio School Tours Scholarship. Sarah Isenberg was also honored on stage as she was awarded a $10,000 Dick Walrath Scholarship. Sarah will be attending the University of Texas at Tyler. Finally, Jared Newby was also honored on stage as he was presented with a San Antonio School Tours Scholarship to be used this fall as he will be attending Tarleton State University. Also receiving a School Tours Scholarship, but unable to attend was Ross McCormick. Each of these individuals was also honored at an awards luncheon and banquet by their sponsors.

This year’s convention brings to a close the 2007-2008 school year for the Blanco FFA, which proved to be very successful. Those members in attendance, plus many others, will now begin preparations for the upcoming school year and achieving the many goals they have set for themselves and the chapter.

Advisors for the Blanco FFA are Felice and Jason Marek.