School see more »

“Ignite the Flame” was the familiar phrase we heard at the 80th Annual State FFA Convention. Not only was this the theme of the convention, but also was a message of what we and more than 10,000 other Texas FFA members would be doing in Lubbock, TX July 14-18. The Johnson City FFA members who attended were DC Bundy, Zachary Denton, Garrett Dieke, Kyrna Licea, Megan Marks, Kayla Meier, Mason Moreland, Mindy Powers, Ashley Sultemeier, Slater Sultemeier, and Clayton Turner. Also attending were our lively FFA Advisors, Steven Meier and Myron Uecker and our delightful chaperones, Dorothy Theriot and Debbie Sultemeier. We united with FFA members from all over Texas to ignite this flame of passion together for five exciting days. On Tuesday, Ashley Sultemeier and DC Bundy accepted their Lone Star Degrees, the highest award given at the state level, and there was an entertaining concert later that night. On Wednesday, we listened to motivational speakers in a stadium filled with high school students proudly showing off the traditional blue corduroy FFA jackets—a sight you will only see at an event like this. “The students’ great behavior and attentiveness was rewarded with a trip to Main Event,” Mr. Meier says, “where they were awed by their FFA Advisors’ skill at bowling, pool, and laser tag. Our chaperones, Debbie Sultemeier and Dorothy Theriot made the trip extra special!” Main Event wasn’t the only fun activity we did. We also enjoyed a talent show on Thursday, where many young star bound performers showcased their talent. Afterwards, we all danced the night away at the convention dance—a fantastic way to spend our last night at the convention. On Friday, we listened to Justin Self, the former Texas FFA President, and Tatum Gunn, the Texas FFA First Vice President, give their retiring addresses. This trip was without a doubt fun and educational for us all, but it just wouldn’t have been as memorable without Mr. Meier, Mr. Uecker, Ms. Theriot, and Mrs. Sultemeier. Thanks to you all for helping us make this the highlight of our summer!