Timpson FFA Students Attend Texas FFA Day at Texas State Capitol

From left: Macy Jo Hanson, Kayleigh Scroggins, Chase Clepper, Commissioner Sid Miller, Amanda Yates, and Connor Timmons.

February 24, 2017 Austin, Texas – For two days the Texas State Capitol became a classroom as more than 800 Texas FFA members and agricultural educators visited Austin on February 21st and 23rd.

From left: teacher Kristin Powers, Connor Timmons, Macy Jo Hanson, Commissioner Sid Miller, Chase Clepper, Kayleigh Scroggins, and Amanda Yates.

Timpson High School FFA students attended this event with their teacher Mrs. Kristin Powers. The students (Amanda Yates, Chase Clepper, Kayleigh Scroggins, Connor Timmons and Macy Jo Hanson) were invited to Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller’s office to meet one-on-one with Commissioner Miller. While in his office, the students had the opportunity to attend a press conference. Commissioner Miller’s office is located at the Stephen F. Austin Building. Students also met with governmental liaison Allisa Nolan and other Texas Department of Agriculture staff members.

Students learned about the state’s legislation process, especially as it relates to agriculture, at the eighth annual Agricultural Education and Texas FFA Day at the Capitol, co-hosted by the Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas and the Texas FFA Association. Since 2010, Texas FFA members have gathered in Austin to celebrate the organization and advocate for the continued support of agricultural education.

Throughout the day members met with their state legislators, walked the Capitol hallways, and saw where history has been made since 1889. The event provides a unique opportunity for high school students to learn from various players in the state’s legislative process.

Members and guests enjoyed keynote speeches from Representative DeWayne Burns and Representative Trent Ashby. “Texas FFA Day at the Capitol provides the opportunity for our state leaders to see the true impact agricultural education and the FFA has on our state,” said 2016-2017 Texas FFA President, Jake Traylor. The experience also allows our members the opportunity to witness the legislative process, and how they can affect change in their own communities.”