During the 83rd Annual Texas FFA State Convention at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, the Gilmer FFA Chapter was named the No. 1 Chapter in the State in the Golden Horizon Award.

This award consists of the chapter’s activities throughout the year and the level at which the chapter participated in these activities.

Also, the chapter received a Gold Rating from the National FFA Chapter Award.

Gilmer FFA is the fourth largest chapter in the State in membership, of more than 1,000 chapters in Texas.

Another honor for the Gilmer FFA during the convention was when Ty Tatum received the Star Lone Star FFA Award in placement.

Ty will receive a $1,000 scholarship, funded by the Dick Wallrath Educational Fund through the Texas FFA Foundation.

Other Stars that were recognized for winning in the Area VI FFA from Gilmer chapter were Shelby Thomas, Star American FFA; Cody Davidson, Star Lone Star; and Haygan Thomas, Star Greenhand.

Sixteen Gilmer FFA members received their Lone Star FFA degrees during the convention.

This is the highest degree a member can receive at the state level. Members have to have earned money and participated in a number of activities above the local level.

The Lone Star receipients were Ashley Williams, Tanner Tankersley, Casey Spencer, Chris Smith, Samantha Smelley, Jordyn Scarborough, Branson Parker, Jalen Henson, Kelby Lusty, Brandie Hammonds, Matt Driggers, John Casey, Cody Davidson, Alexis Digilormo, Colton Hill and Ty Tatum

Bethany Nolan and Tamil Harris were recognized on stage for winning their proficiency awards.

Jalen Henson participated in the State FFA Agriscience Fair in the Environmental Division. His project was to determine which type of wild hog attractant would bring in the most wild hogs.

Dalton Brown and Bethany Nolan received their scholarships and were honored during a luncheon for the scholarship recipients.

The Gilmer FFA received a $500 grant from the Texas FFA Alumni Association and was presented with it during the fourth session of the convention.

Some of the other highlights of the convention were several key speakers: Josh Shipp (MTV personality and motivational speaker), Vernice “Flygirl” Armour, (first African American woman to fly in combat), and the National FFA Secretary, Landon Schaffert from Colorado.

Members attended a concert by Josh Abbott, sponsored by the Texas FFA.