FFA BANQUET
Bullard students celebrate year of success

Stu Dildine congratulates his FFA class on their achievements as the year draws to an end, culminating with the annual banquet.

Bullard students got some words of wisdom from an expert at the annual FFA banquet held on Thursday.

"I don't know where I would be had I not been in Ag," said keynote speaker Todd Staples, Texas Agriculture Commissioner.

And his background reflects just that. The former state senator and recently elected Ag Commissioner has deep roots in the agriculture industry.

Growing up and working with his father on their cow-calf operation in East Texas, knows first hand the dedication, commitment and hard work of a dawn-to-dusk Texas agricultural producer.

Organizer and Ag teacher Stu Dildine said Staples brings a leadership and vision to the Texas Department of of Agriculture gained through a life long involvement with the Texas agricultural industry.

And Staples encouraged FFA students to share that vision.

"To be successful you need values, focus and work. Do your homework and never be out worked," Staples said. And he encouraged the students to follow the FFA motto: Learning To Do, Doing To Learn, Earning To Live, Living To Serve."

"That should be the motto for all of us as we are living our lives and serving our community, " Staples said.

Staples was born in Anderson County. He was active in high school FFA and was elected state FFA vice president. He attended Texas A&M University where he graduated with honors in 1984 with a degree in agricultural economics.

Staples addressed the crowd following an invocation by Jessica Henderson and a welcome by Courtnie Watkins.

After graduation, Staples started his own real estate and appraisal business, teamed up with his family in a plant and landscape business, partnered with his father to expand their cow-calf operations and joined with a friend to start a registered Brangus operation. Staples served on the Palestine city council and was a threeterm state representative. He was elected state senator in 2000.

While serving in the state Senate, Staples was a strong protector of private property owners' rights, natural resources and the agricultural industry. He served on the Senate Natural Resources Committee and was chairman of the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee.

He worked with farmers, ranchers, the Texas Farm Bureau, the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and many other agricultural organizations to ensure that the property rights of all Texans are protected.

BISD trustee Michael Roy thanked students for allowing them to share their successes.

"We appreciate being a part of recognizing these students, " he said.

Regan Kelly introduced guests and Taylor Fountain went through the long list of the chapter's accomplishments throughout the year - including the recent livestock show held at Kiepersol Estates and the Smith County Junior Livestock Show.

Students presented Bullard High School principal Leonard Speaker with an "Honorary Chapter Farmer" award.

Local entrepreneur Joe Phillips was honored with the Distinguished Service award for his many contributions to the program this year.

Robyn Foster presented parent Jan Hill with the Chapter Mother of the Year award.

BISD superintendent Jim Wright presented students Regan Kelly and Taylor Fountain with the annual DeKalb award, and Justin Hill presented chapter awards.

Josh Sacket won the scholastic award. Reagan Kelly, Taylor Fountain and Justin Hill each received FFA Booster Club scholarships.

Other award winners were:

! Codie Lewis - agricultural mechanics design and fabrication

! Zack Kafka - agricultural mechanics repair and maintenance

! Courtnee Odom - agricultural sales and Chapter Star Greenhand award

! Justin Hill - beef production and wildlife production

! Reagan Kelly - diversified livestock production

! Taylor Fountain - equine science

! Liznie Long - poultry production

! Robyn Foster - sheep production

! Desiree Gabbard - small animal production and care

! Jessica Henderson - swine production

! Jonathan Schrader - turf grass management and vegetable production

! Lindsay Brown - Chapter Farmer award

Following Staples speech Dildine presented the retiring and announced the new leaders.

Last year's FFA president Taylor Fountain ended the ceremony by passing the gavel to Robyn Foster - who will serve as next year's president.