Banquet Season

What do you get when you mix flowers, tears, plaques, and barbeque? That's right: a chapter banquet! It was already that time of year. The time when everyone breaks out the tissues, that special occassion that is noted as the "highlight of the year".

I started off at none other than good ol' Brenham High School. I must say everyone looked quite sharp in their official dress attire, and that chicken fried steak sure was yummy! I listened to the musical stylings of Miss Kyla Rae Cmajdalka (I hope I spelled that right, Kyla!) and Mr. Wesley Westbrook before hearing the many wise words of our retiring chapter officers. Of course, the highlight of my evening was watching my little sis be recognized as the 2010-2011 Brenham FFA President. I'm so proud of you, Lauren.

The next thing I knew, I was on my way to Klein Forest. It was here that I was blown away by the number of degree recipients. Talk about a lot of hard work paying off. I watched as Quad attempted not to cry during his final remarks (good try, Quad) and as the Senior members of one of my favorite officer teams hung up their jackets. Tiffany, you better keep that ghetto face on, because the new Klein Forest FFA team has an awesome year ahead of them.

Before long, I was driving...and driving...and driving...and still driving...all the way to the Irion County FFA Banquet in Mertzon, Texas. I must say, it was definitely worth the drive. For a program with a fresh start, they blew me away. Numerous state qualifying teams, the first Lone Star degree recipient in 25 years...and all because of an amazing ag teacher and his phenomenal students. I can't wait to see this chapter's name on banners for years and years to come.

By this time, I'd eaten fajitas, catfish, and even some chicken fried steak, but a banquet season isn't complete without barbeque. Luckily, I got my fill during the Sweeny FFA Banquet. I also earned myself a $10 profit from the bet that Ms. Pittman made. That one is going down in the books. And let's not forget the lovely dance moves from the Sweeny FFA Talent Team. Our next America's Got Talent contestants? I'm not too sure about that one...

That left only one more banquet: Louise FFA. This was the one where I broke out the tissues. Every time my eyes would finally dry, someone else would make them swell up with tears. All I can say is: Tana and Clint, Pa would be so proud of both of you. As if retiring addresses aren't enough to give you goosebumps, Clayton sent me over the edge. For as long as I can remember my one goal was to make a difference in one person's life...and in the process of working towards that, he made a difference in mine. Thank you so much.

And with that, I headed back home with banquets as a reflection in the rearview mirror and State Leadership Camp coming quickly in the distance. I can't wait to see what this year's SLC has in store. You 74 area officers better get ready, because it all starts with one...and that one is YOU.