Former state officers and leaders of the Texas FFA Association held their annual reunion Thursday afternoon in the City Bank room of the United Spirit Arena. The Past State Officers Alumni Association meets annually in conjunction with state convention, holding officer team reunions in ten-year increments and supporting the Texas FFA Association. The officer teams that served in 1950-1951, 1960-1961, 1970-1971, 1980-1981, 1990-1991 and 2000-2001 were in attendance at the reunion.
Called a “great experience” by some and “humbling” by others, serving as a Texas FFA State officer has been defined as an experience like none other by former state officers.
“It was fast and furious,” former Texas FFA Vice President Stephen Tays said, who served from 2005-2006.
A large topic of the discussion amongst those present at the reunion was the overall growth and changes of both the convention and the organization itself.
“The growth of technology is huge,” said former Vice President Dave Reiley said, who served from 1980-1981. “It has made it easier to communicate with FFA members.”
As the reminiscing continued, the former officers noted changes with how the convention sessions actually took place.
“We improvised a lot,” Reiley said, noting how in past years, the presentations were not nearly as scripted.
Although times have changed in our organization since these state officers served, it is apparent that the spirit and message these individuals spread has lived on.