Feels Like Home Members Share What Texas FFA Means to Them
Wednesday, July 8, 2026 | Author: Arianna Sandley, Meridian FFA and Emma Crabtree, Decatur FFA
From Agriscience Fair and Quiz Bowl to simply enjoying a general session, members competed in and participated in a variety of events throughout the convention center during the 98th Texas FFA Convention. Coming from towns across the Lone Star State, members represent completely different backgrounds. Yet, what unites everyone is the blue corduroy jacket.
Through conversations and interviews, 12 members shared what makes Texas FFA feel like home to them.
“[Texas FFA] makes me feel at home by the people just making me feel included and just talking to me, making sure that I feel seen.” – Alan Cox, Area IV
“Whenever people think about Texas, the first thing they think of is agriculture, and I think being a member of Texas FFA, that's really just what it means to wear this blue jacket, support this program, and be a heavily active member in this program. It really is just representing the agriculture and the legacy of Texas, and I really just think that’s what makes Texas home.” – Emma Patterson, Area IV
“Texas FFA is home to me because it contains all the different friendships that have really made FFA feel like home, and the people are just so welcoming to everyone.” – Elise Bernadac, Area VII
“Texas is home because it has the best FFA program in the country, and FFA makes me feel at home.” – Haylee Vanleuven, Area VIII
“I would say that [Texas FFA] feels like home mostly because everybody is just so nice. The Texas family around here, everybody just treats you like you’re part of the family, and that’s what you are—you are part of the family. It’s the community.” – Cory Jenkins, Area IX
“Texas FFA feels like home because of agriculture, making new friends, and just the leadership in general.” – Adrian Mata, Area X
“For me, what makes Texas FFA feel like home is definitely seeing familiar faces and new ones and meeting different people from across the state who are engaged in agricultural pursuits such as myself.” – Nylah Hernandez, Area X
“[Texas FFA] feels like home because of one simple thing. It’s all of the people. Everyone is so open and welcoming. That’s what makes it feel like home.” – Colby Lewis, Area XI
“What makes Texas FFA feel like home to me is all the friends that I’ve made over the years and the meaningful connections that I get to make every year.” – Lyla Seymour, Area XI
“[Texas FFA] feels like home due to the energy everyone brings. It’s very uplifting and welcoming.” – Elliot Harnage, Area XI
“[Texas FFA] feels like home because of the unity. There are [many] kids here—I know 13 of them at most—and yet I see people, complete strangers, helping others. At a time where the world is really dark, it brings joy to me and makes me really happy to see that there is still kindness out there, especially in Texas, which has always been my home.” – Sydney Holcomb, Area XII
“[Texas FFA] is home because of bonding over agriculture. I grew up riding horses and barrel racing, and I love finding people that also [love those things].” – Deisha Hennessey, Area XII
|