Seven Whitesboro students earn Lone Star FFA degrees at 97th Annual State Convention

Whitesboro FFA Chapter members Reagan Downs, Kinsey Emmert, Sydney Gamache, Canyon Heffley, Max Hinsley, Isabella Pacio and Jase West were awarded the Lone Star FFA Degree at the 97th Annual Texas FFA State Convention held June 30-July 4, 2025. The Lone Star FFA Degree is the highest degree bestowed by the Texas FFA. 

The Lone Star FFA Degree recognizes FFA members who have received the Chapter degree, been active FFA members for at least two years, completed at least four semesters of agricultural science at or above the ninth grade level, maintained a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program, demonstrated their leadership skills and have shown a commitment to the FFA through involvement at the chapter level and above. Downs, Emmert, Gamache, Heffley, Hinsley, Pacio and West were seven out of more than 2,600 FFA members to receive this esteemed degree this year. 

Additionally, two of Whitesboro’s most outstanding agricultural education advocates, Barry Beste and Julie Voge, were awarded the Honorary Lone Star FFA Degree at the convention. 
This award represents the highest honorary degree granted by the Texas FFA Association and recognizes adults who have provided exceptional service to agricultural youth and FFA programs across Texas. 

Beste, a local business owner and longtime volunteer, has been a pillar of support for Whitesboro FFA for over a decade. His involvement began when his children joined the program in 2013—but after their graduation, his commitment only deepened. 

“Even after his children graduated, Barry’s involvement only grew—proving his passion for agricultural education runs far deeper than personal interests,” shared Robert Mathews, Whitesboro FFA Advisor. 

Beste has played a vital role in strengthening the Whitesboro Honorary Chapter Farmers booster club, managing key fundraisers, providing expert services, and mentoring families new to FFA. He is known for quietly solving problems behind the scenes, often providing free or discounted electrical work and organizing major community events. 

“He’s a ‘walker more than a talker’—the first to arrive, the last to leave, and never one to avoid tough jobs or hard conversations,” said Kelli Espinosa, a fellow booster club member. 

His leadership helps the WHCF’s annual spring auction raise over $100,000 on good years all going back to the students and FFA chapter, while his initiative and resourcefulness continue to shape long-term infrastructure and scholarship opportunities for local students. 

Voge, also recognized with the Honorary Lone Star Degree, has made an indelible impact on Whitesboro FFA through years of tireless volunteer service as a horse judging and livestock project mentor, show mom, breeder, and advocate. 

“Julie doesn’t just coach—she mentors, uplifts, and transforms students through her positivity, expertise, and deep belief in their potential,” said Taylor Shackelford, Whitesboro FFA Advisor. 

Her work with the chapter’s horse judging teams has led to remarkable success, including a top ten finish at the state level. Voge is equally known for her quiet generosity—covering costs of meals, clothes and travel for students in need, and connecting students with college coaches and scholarship opportunities. 

“She provides so much support and expects nothing in return,” said Jocelyn Anderson, two-time member of the Whitesboro FFA Horse Judging Team. “She makes sure we have every opportunity to work hard, play hard, and be our very best.” 

From national-level collegiate coaching experience to co-creating online contest tools and promoting agricultural literacy, Voge’s influence reaches far beyond Whitesboro. Her selfless leadership and belief in the next generation have made her an enduring role model. 

“Julie is a true champion for students and agricultural education. She represents the very spirit of the FFA: hard work, service, and leadership,” words from her nomination letter. 

The 97th annual Texas FFA Convention recorded approximately 16,000 members and guests. Members of the state’s largest agricultural youth leadership organization spent the week attending leadership workshops, participating in events and activities, being recognized for their achievements, and serving as the legislative body for the Texas FFA Association. 

The Texas FFA is the nation’s largest state FFA association with a membership of more than 182,000. FFA gives students the opportunity to apply practical classroom knowledge to real-world experiences through local, state and national competitions. For more information about the Texas FFA, visit www.texasffa.org. To get involved in the local organization, contact Taylor Shackelford, Vocational Agriculture Teacher.