FFA Growing New Leaders

There really is something special about that blue and gold jacket. I often say the future of Texas is bright with FFA members leading the way and this week I am especially proud to see a fellow FFA member welcomed into the world of public service.

Hats off to Casey Hogan, 30, for winning election to the Stephenville City Council, Place 1. On Tuesday, Casey was sworn in to serve a two-year term. This was his first-ever official run for political office, but through his experience as Student Body President at Tarleton State University and Texas FFA Vice President 2001-2002, Casey is no stranger to leadership.

I had a very similar start as a public servant, first as Texas FFA Vice President and then as a member of the Palestine City Council. The common thread here is not so much the titles and the elected offices, but the foundation of leadership, character and citizenship we both learned during our time in FFA.

Congratulations also go to people like past state FFA President Marcus Hill of Fort Worth, whose mentorship and encouragement was an inspiration to Casey during his high school days. “Pass it on” is something most former FFA members do very well.

To this day, I remember the 12 words of the FFA motto, “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.” These words have helped me serve the great people of Texas and I hope Casey Hogan will use them as he begins his work for the people of Stephenville. Congratulations again Casey, I am proud of your work and excited as you start this new journey.

It is not bragging if it’s true, and it’s true that FFA members represent the cream of the crop in Texas.