FFALoneStarDegree2010Seven members of the Brownwood High School FFA Chapter served in the Courtesy Corps, and four were awarded the esteemed Lone Star FFA Degree at the 82nd annual Texas FFA Convention held July 13-16, in Corpus Christi.

The Courtesy Corps is a team of student volunteers who handle many logistical functions at the nation’s largest state FFA convention.

The Lone Star FFA Degree is the highest degree bestowed by the Texas FFA, and was given to more than 1,400 members.  Brownwood FFA students who received the degree are Neil Larremore, Kate Atchley, Thomas Sikes, and Tyler Kemp (pictured to the left, Tyler Kemp is not pictured).

The Lone Star FFA Degree recognizes FFA members who have received the Chapter degree, been active FFA members for at least two years, complete at least four semesters of agricultural science at or above the ninth grade level, maintain a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program, demonstrate their leadership skills and show a commitment to the FFA through involvement at the chapter level and above.

The 82nd annual Texas FFA Convention recorded 11,120 members and guests. Members of the agricultural youth leadership organization spent the week attending leadership workshops, participating in events and activities, being recognized for their achievements and serving as the legislative body for the Texas FFA Association.

The Texas FFA has evolved from an organization focusing primarily on production agriculture, to a broader-based encompassing organization that addresses the needs and interests of students in urban and suburban schools in addition to the rural communities from which FFA rose in 1929.

The Texas FFA is the nation’s largest state FFA associations with a membership of approximately 74,000 and more than 1,000 local FFA chapters. FFA gives students the opportunity to apply practical classroom knowledge to real world experiences through local, state and national competitions. For more information about the Texas FFA Association visit