FFA recognitions awarded
By Jillian Lucas
Five members of the Albany chapter of FFA attended the Texas FFA State Convention and Rodeo in Fort Worth recently, accepting several awards during the five-day event.
In addition, a couple of local residents were honored by the organization for their volunteerism.
Texas FFA Convention
Members Addie Beth Denton, Leddie Leech, Robyn Trail, Gracie Price, and Kam Browning, accompanied by sponsor Chris Beard, participated in the state convention on July 5-9 in Fort Worth.
Each day of the convention, the students attended different leadership workshops and participated in various events and activities pertaining to FFA.
They also had the opportunity to serve as the legislative body for the Texas FFA Association.
“All five girls got to go down on the floor and be voting delegates representing Albany FFA in Area 4,” explained Beard. “They did a great job, and hopefully they learned lots of new information throughout the week.”
Chapter Awards
This year, the Albany chapter of FFA received the National Chapter Award.
This award is given to chapters who actively implement the FFA mission and strategies while improving chapter operations.
Albany was also the recipient of the Golden Horizon Award in Division 1 (one teacher).
Other Awards
Two Albany locals were granted the Non-Teacher Honorary Lone Star Degree in recognition of their dedication and support of Albany FFA.
Bronco Askew and Monte Lewis were both nominated for this award by Beard.
“Both of these guys are just great people,” Beard said. “They work so hard to help our youth be successful and they deserve to be recognized for that.”
Askew has been the president of the Shackelford Youth and Livestock Association for a number of years, helping prepare for the stock show year-round.
“Bronco goes above and beyond for all of our kiddos in ways that nobody sees,” Beard explained. “He wants each one of them to be successful with their animal projects and helps in whatever way he can.”
After moving to Albany a few years ago, Lewis has been known for being a big supporter of the community and its youth.
“Monte came to town and just jumped right in and started helping with our stock show,” said Beard. “He helps me with everything, but he doesn’t just stop with FFA. You’ll see him at just about every sporting event and church activity in town. He really cares about what’s going on in our community and wants these kids to be a success at whatever they do.”
Texas FFA Rodeo
AHS graduating senior Addie Beth Denton competed in the State FFA Rodeo that happened in conjunction with the state convention.
Denton competed in three events, breakaway roping, barrels, and goat tying and was the only rodeo participant that made the finals in all events entered.
“I was impressed,” said Beard. “She was the only person that placed in all of her events out of hundreds of participants.”
Denton received third in breakaway roping, fifth in goat tying, and seventh in barrels.
Placing in each event pushed Denton into seventh overall as a one-person team score representing Albany FFA.
“Addie does a great job and always works so hard,” said Beard. “She is dedicated and committed and so deserving of her success. I could not be more proud of her.”
