Texas FFA Member Elected Western Region Vice President
Tuesday, November 15, 2016 | Author: Katie Armstrong, Texas FFA News Staff
Texas FFA member, Trey Elizondo, was announced as the nominating committee’s choice for 2016-2017 National FFA Western Region Vice President in the waning moments of the 89th Annual National FFA Convention’s final session.
The 20-year-old Yoakum native became the 30th Texan to serve as a national FFA officer, dating back 80 years, and the first since 2009.
Elizondo will take a leave of absence from studying Agriculture Science at Texas A&M University to commit himself to a year of service in the name of the National FFA Organization.
“I’m really excited to spend the next year with thousands of FFA members, travelling, and getting to know different parts of the country,” said Elizondo. “I’m excited in general just to be an ambassador for this great organization.”
Elizondo, and his five teammates, will travel well over 100,000 miles across the country to encourage and educate the next generation through various conferences and speaking engagements. The national officer team remains committed to the individual student, providing a path to achievement in premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
While attaining election to national office is a rare and remarkable achievement, Elizondo’s route makes the feat even more stunning. He was a candidate for state office in 2015, made the final 20, but did not make the final cut. Undeterred, he filed to compete for the state’s nomination for national office earlier this year and emerged from the process as the Texas Association’s nominee.
It is safe to say that Elizondo holds “an inborn fondness for those associations which, even in hours of discouragement” cannot be denied. These words are taught to every new member while studying the FFA Creed, however our newest Western Region Vice President has lived the words. Even in his hours of discouragement, he pressed forward.
“I wanted to show members that difficulties do not equal finality and that sometimes God’s plan for our lives is much greater than we could ever imagine,” said Elizondo. “I want to be a light of hope for members to see that with a little faith and belief in themselves, they can defy odds as well.”
Elizondo’s journey is one of many that embodies what the FFA is all about: perseverance, dedication, hard work, faith, and after this next year – devoted service.
“While running for office, I realized that the Saturday of the election, no matter how it turned out, would be the last time I wore Texas on my back. It was then I couldn't be more thankful for what Texas FFA has done for me over my years in this organization and I couldn't help but smile at how proud I was to be from Texas,” said Elizondo. “Though my jacket no longer reads Texas, I will always be thankful for that time in a Texas jacket for molding me into the leader I am today and I know, no matter where my travels may take me over the next year I know I will always have a piece of Texas FFA in my heart."
Watch the 2016-2017 National FFA officer election below.
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