La Feria FFA Officers Attend Texas FFA Convention

Updated: July 27, 2023

Emilio Flores
LFN

Dallas, TX — The La Feria FFA chapter officers recently embarked on an enriching road trip to the Texas FFA Convention held in Dallas. The convention presented opportunities for students and provided the young leaders with an unforgettable experience of growth and inspiration. With the chance to vote for the next Texas FFA president and officers, listen to motivational speakers, connect with college representatives, and interact with over 15,000 fellow FFA members, this event opened doors for their future endeavors.

Among the esteemed speakers present at the convention was Dr. Temple Grandin, a renowned professor, and leader in the livestock industry and autism research. Dr. Grandin emphasized the importance of integrating hands-on skills taught in Agriculture science courses with academics, giving the students valuable insights and guidance for their future careers.

Robert Salazar, one of the sponsors of the La Feria FFA chapter, expressed his perspective on the convention. saying, “The Texas FFA convention is a great opportunity for our members to get to see how wide the scope of the FFA organization is.”

For the La Feria members, the convention illustrated that FFA goes beyond local chapters and livestock shows. It presented them with a multitude of opportunities, including voting for state FFA business, exploring colleges and companies seeking young talent, and gaining inspiration from the impactful words of Dr. Temple Grandin.

Salazar believed that this convention was crucial for the students as it showcased the breadth of opportunities available through the FFA organization. While success at livestock shows is often a highlight for Rio Grande Valley FFA programs, the convention exposed the La Feria students to the broader horizons of FFA and how it can shape their lives beyond high school.

For Melanie Villarreal, a senior at La Feria High School, the convention was an unforgettable experience that allowed her to forge connections with FFA members from different cities across Texas.
Villareal says, “The Convention was an experience like no other.”

The inspiring speeches and stories shared during the event left her motivated to cultivate new relationships and bring positive change to her chapter and community.

In her view, the convention was instrumental in preserving the student-led nature of FFA and deepening her understanding of how she could contribute to the betterment of her chapter and community.

Aaron Nino, another student officer, saw the convention as a fresh perspective on how different aspects of FFA work at a higher degree. For him, it was not just an educational event but also a fun experience to enjoy with his fellow FFA school chapter members.

Nino believed that the convention’s significance lies in giving students a voice and a say in the direction of FFA. Through the voting process, they can shape the future of the organization and ensure its success in the coming years.

Being a chapter officer holds a special meaning for both Melanie and Aaron. As chapter leaders in La Feria, they play a crucial role in planning and organizing various functions throughout the year.

Additionally, they serve as mentors to their fellow members and act as ambassadors to recruit new talent into the FFA family.

The Texas FFA Convention in Dallas proved to be a transformative experience for the La Feria FFA chapter officers. It strengthened their commitment to leadership, community service, and the values espoused by the FFA organization. As they return to their local chapter, they carry with them valuable lessons and inspiration, ready to make a positive impact on their community and beyond.