2008 Texas FFA Convetion United Spirit Arena, Lubbock

FFA members from across the state, totaling 10,000 registered members and guest, attended the 80th annual Texas FFA State Convention in Lubbock, Texas on July 15^th through 18^th. Seventeen members from the Goldthwaite chapter attended the convention to participate and receive recognition for hard work and effort put forth throughout the year. Highlights of this years convention included Jordan Gist receiving a $15,000 scholarship from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Gist was selected by his outstanding grades and numerous accomplishments as an FFA member. Texas FFA gave out over 1.5 million is scholarship money during the convention. Kimberly Nowell and Ana Facundo both received their Lone Star Farmer Degree, the highest FFA degree at the state level. The vocal talent of Goldthwaite FFA member Judy Parten was showcased as a member of the Texas FFA Chorus. Parten was selected in the spring by audition for the chorus and was selected during the week to sing a solo performance of The National Anthem at the beginning of the Wednesday afternoon session of the Convention. Judy had a stellar performance celebrated with roars upon roars from over 8,000 members present. Other members attending the convention served as voting delegates in one of the 7 convention sessions. Voting delegates selected the 2008-2009 Texas FFA Officers, as well as business brought before the convention. Pictured are members attending the convention at the United Spirit Arena on the Texas Tech University campus. Back row: Ryan Hall, Garrett Schwartz, Hunter Melton, Trey Horton, Bryce Barnett, Colton Melton, Charlee Griffin, Brayden Tiemann. Front Row:  Callie Fry, Whitney Jones, Connie Nowell, Kayla Bufe, Kimberly Nowell, Ana Facundo, Ruthie Long