LONE STAR STAGE
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8
TIME EVENT
8:00–9:00 AM Workshop: "The Talk" (about money) – Dale Alexander. If you are a young adult, how would you like to have a life where you never have to think about, stress about, or even care about money… for the rest of your life, and you could be shown it is one of the easiest decisions you will ever make. If it sounds too good to be true, it’s not and Dale Alexander will prove it. Each attendee will receive a copy of Dale‘s book, “The Talk” (about money).
10:30–11:30 AM Workshop: Rooted Deep. Reaching Higher. ™ – Cleo Franklin. The pressure to fit in and shrink your story is not the price of success, it is the trap. Many students know what it feels like to edit themselves to be more acceptable, whether that means downplaying their background or reshaping their identity. True growth does not come from abandoning your roots, but from embracing them and letting them guide you forward. Strong leaders rise by staying grounded in who they are and by creating opportunities for others along the way. This session focuses on owning your story, leading with purpose, and starting that journey today.
12:30–1:30 PM Workshop: From Stuck to Getting Started™ Trap – Cleo Franklin. The word “later” is one of the most dangerous habits a leader can have because it delays action and turns goals into missed opportunities. Many students find themselves stuck waiting, where good intentions slowly fade into inaction. This workshop is designed for those ready to stop postponing and start moving forward. Participants will leave with a clear plan, a spoken commitment, and the mindset to take immediate action. Strong leaders are not the most prepared, they are the ones who choose to begin.
2:30–3:30 PM Workshop: Opportunities in the Food Industry – Johnna Pieniazek & Mikayla Davidson. From farm to plate; it's something proudly talked about in the FFA, but what does it actually take to transform an agricultural product into a beloved consumer product like Lay's potato chips? Join this session to hear from current PepsiCo employees (and former FFA members) as they share their piece in driving this farm to plate process. The Food Industry is an awesome place, so come see how what you are learning now is setting yourself up for an awesome career full of opportunities!
ROOM 201 A-C
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8
TIME EVENT
8:00–9:00 AM Workshop: Preparing Students for "Real World" Employment with HOLT! – Rick Elmore. In today’s rapidly evolving world, Artificial Intelligence and outsourcing are impacting many career paths. This workshop outlines career opportunities that are more resistant to these changes. Discussions include high-risk areas, safe career options, and how to develop a strong plan for the future. Participants will also learn from real-world examples connected to industry. Join us for an informative look at careers and what your future could hold.
2:30–3:30 PM Workshop: Wearing All the Hats: Finding Direction Without Limiting Yourself – Tyler Schuster. Some students know exactly what they want to be. Others are interested in a lot of things—and that’s not a problem. This workshop is designed for students who wear many hats: FFA member, athlete, employee, leader, volunteer, creative, and more. We’ll talk about what it means to be multipassionate, how to stop feeling pressure to “pick just one thing,” and how to connect different interests into a clear direction for the future. Students will learn how their variety of skills and experiences can work together to set them apart, not hold them back. This session encourages FFA members to embrace who they are, build confidence in their unique path, and see their diverse interests as an advantage as they prepare for life after high school.
7:00 PM Reception: Alumni Reception
Room 202 AB
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8
TIME EVENT
8:00–9:00 AM Workshop: Building Your Foundation – Chance Kanode. Just like a home, developing a solid personal foundation allows us to build the life that we want to develop. Through interactive activities, students will explore the foundation that they are creating to build success in the future. Each student will have the opportunity to explore what commonalities and differences others see as important aspects of building a foundation to reach success.
10:30–11:30 AM Workshop: Cooking Up Communication – Hailey Pleasants. “Cooking Up Communication” teaches students the importance of clear communication, teamwork, and leadership within FFA chapters. Through hands-on activities like building a PB and J sandwich and completing a Taco Tower challenge, participants see how unclear directions can lead to mistakes. The workshop also explores how word choice and slang can cause misunderstandings. Students practice giving clear instructions, adapting communication styles, and leading a team effectively. The session reinforces that strong communication and positive leadership are key to successful teamwork.
Room 202 CD
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8
TIME EVENT
8:00–9:00 AM Workshop: Animal AgTech: Building the Ranch of the Future – Dr. Bain Wilson, Ranchbot; and Jimmy Curtis, CattleMax. Farmers and ranchers have a history of adopting new technologies as the scale of their operations have expanded and labor comes at a greater premium. The advent of widespread internet access, satellite communication, GPS, remote sensing, and artificial intelligence have accelerated the pace of innovation in Animal Agriculture. Come learn about technologies that are shaping the future of the livestock industry.
10:30–11:30 AM Workshop; Technology, Innovation & Building a Profitable Career in the Green Industry – Sarah Riggins. The Texas Green Industry is changing fast—and students who act now can position themselves at the front of one of Texas’ most innovative and profitable career fields. In this session, you will discover how today’s nursery, landscape, greenhouse, and garden center careers combine plants, technology, and business to create real-world opportunities. See how automation, data, robotics, water management, and digital tools are already being used on the job—and how they can start building skills leading to leadership roles, entrepreneurship, and business ownership. This is your chance to think beyond traditional career paths and equip yourself with practical next steps to turn interests into a successful career through college, technical training, or hands-on experience.
12:30–1:30 PM Workshop: The Sound of Leadership – Sarah Marshall. This engaging workshop explores how intentional listening strengthens communication and leadership. Participants will reflect on how messages are sent, received, and often misunderstood, while building practical skills to communicate more clearly, collaborate effectively, and lead with confidence.
2:30–3:30 PM Workshop: Mission: Possible – Adaptability in Action – Jayda Goodson & Caden Griffin. Just like a home, developing a solid personal foundation helps build the life you want. Through interactive activities, students will explore the foundation they are creating for future success. Participants will examine both common and unique perspectives on what builds a strong foundation. The session encourages reflection on personal goals and priorities. Students will leave with a clearer understanding of how to build their path forward.
Room 203 A-C
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8
TIME EVENT
7:00 AM Banquet: Jerome Tymrak Stars Over Texas Banquet
10:30–11:30 AM Workshop: "The Talk" (about money) – Dale Alexander. If you are a young adult, how would you like to have a life where you never have to think about, stress about, or even care about money… for the rest of your life, and you could be shown it is one of the easiest decisions you will ever make. If it sounds too good to be true, it’s not and Dale Alexander will prove it. Each attendee will receive a copy of Dale‘s book, “The Talk” (about money).
2:30–3:30 PM Workshop: Beyond the Jacket: Opportunities Through the National FFA – National FFA Ag Teacher Ambassadors. Discover how to take your FFA experience to the next level. This session introduces leadership programs, scholarships, and national opportunities available through the National FFA Organization. Participants will also hear insights from a National FFA Teacher Ambassador on how students and advisors can make the most of these opportunities.
ROOM 204 A
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8
TIME EVENT
8:00–9:00 AM Workshop: Service in Action – Lucinda Mares. This workshop focuses on the importance of service and how small actions can create a lasting impact. Members will participate in interactive activities and discussions to explore how service shapes their chapter, community, and personal legacy, while identifying ways they can make a difference.
10:30–11:30 AM Workshop: It's Your Money (IYM) – Allyson Tjoelker & Lyndi Sanders. “It’s Your Money” is a free hands-on financial literacy program created by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and facilitated by Capital Farm Credit. This one-hour, in-person simulation equips high school and early college students with practical financial skills through real-world scenarios — minus the real-world consequences. Participants learn to budget, save and make informed financial decisions, gaining confidence to manage their financial futures. Perfect for schools, extension offices and youth organizations, the program is easy to host and brings valuable life lessons directly to your location. Pre-registration is required and limited to 30 each session.
12:30–1:30 PM Workshop: It's Your Money (IYM) – Allyson Tjoelker & Lyndi Sanders. “It’s Your Money” is a free hands-on financial literacy program created by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and facilitated by Capital Farm Credit. This one-hour, in-person simulation equips high school and early college students with practical financial skills through real-world scenarios — minus the real-world consequences. Participants learn to budget, save and make informed financial decisions, gaining confidence to manage their financial futures. Perfect for schools, extension offices and youth organizations, the program is easy to host and brings valuable life lessons directly to your location. Pre-registration is required and limited to 30 each session.
2:30–3:30 PM Workshop: It's Your Money (IYM) – Allyson Tjoelker & Lyndi Sanders. “It’s Your Money” is a free hands-on financial literacy program created by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and facilitated by Capital Farm Credit. This one-hour, in-person simulation equips high school and early college students with practical financial skills through real-world scenarios — minus the real-world consequences. Participants learn to budget, save and make informed financial decisions, gaining confidence to manage their financial futures. Perfect for schools, extension offices and youth organizations, the program is easy to host and brings valuable life lessons directly to your location. Pre-registration is required and limited to 30 each session.