Students Embrace Program Opportunities at State Convention
Friday, July 15, 2022 | Author: Ellie Hert, Liberty Hill FFA and Braelyn Pointer, Sudan FFA
The FFA is the largest student-led organization in the United States, and this fact is proven to be true at the 94th Annual Texas FFA Convention. Several unique opportunities are available for students to become more involved at the event.
Foundation Ambassadors go through a competitive application process, and those who are accepted receive extensive training for all of their endeavors throughout the week of convention.
“We arrived at 9 a.m. on Monday and met our ambassador team,” Wheeler FFA member Wes Shaw said. “We talked about how to live your brand, and we went through some leadership workshops.”
After being assigned a certain special guest, past state officer, sponsor, or VIP, ambassadors serve as their host and assist them around the event and help them with any personal needs.
“The foundation ambassadors have been incredibly helpful in helping facilitate the needs of all the VIPs,” past state officer Barbie Mosley said. “Many of these people have not been to state convention in many years, and the ambassadors have been a huge help in getting everyone where they are supposed to be.”
Courtesy Corps are the helping hands of convention. The responsibility of the courtesy corps is to “make people feel welcome.” From assisting at guest registration to greeting attendees with a warm welcome, the courtesy corps symbolizes selfless leaders within the FFA organization.
“This week, I have had the pleasure of being able to help with many facets of convention,” Stratford FFA member Kaytly Clift said. “This program has helped me come out of my shell and talk to more people.”
The FFA Chorus provides entertainment for thousands of members attending the convention. After submitting an audition, chorus members spend hours rehearsing before and during the week of convention and performing songs during general sessions to unite FFA members.
“My favorite part was performing because it is a whole different experience performing in front of 15,000 people,” White Oak FFA member Aleighna Tuttle said. “And, it has definitely helped my people skills because you meet so many new people.”
The Convention Media Program is another key component of state convention. Students on the convention media staff cover events and capture special moments. Media students video, photograph, and write about every aspect of convention and student activities throughout the week. Joining the media team gives students a look into careers in the communications field.
“Through this [media staff], we got to make more connections through FFA,” White Oak FFA member Kynlee Bright said. “It made it easier and more comfortable to talk to people once I got out of my shell. I enjoy being here because writing has been my greatest passion.”
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Reporter: Ellie Hert, Liberty Hill FFA and Braelyn Pointer, Sudan FFA
Photographer: Macy Fischer, Mineola FFA; Maecy Smith, Jacksonville FFA
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