Twelve Longview High School FFA members have earned the Lone Star Degree, the highest honor awarded by the Texas Future Farmers of America Association (FFA). Fewer than 3% of the organization's more than 182,000 student members across Texas receive the distinction each year, recognizing outstanding supervised agricultural experience (SAE) programs, leadership, community service, and years of participation in FFA.
Students receiving the 2026 Lone Star Degree are Gunnar Broadway, Trisha Dhana, Lane Foreman, Kaylee Swaim, Benjamin Sartor, Bethany Baltes, Chloe Todd, Connor Kelsey, David Lopez Sanchez, John Northcutt, Kyla Rayford, and Trinkeyfey Martinez-Percaz.
Broadway, Dhana, Foreman, and Swaim were recognized on stage during the Texas FFA State Convention, where they received their Lone Star Degree certificates and the official Lone Star Degree chain. Members who earn this recognition wear the chain with their FFA jacket, which signifies they have earned the organization's highest state-level degree.
Longview High School students also excelled in the Texas FFA Agriscience Fair during the convention. Adileigh Reardon and Tatum Duey earned second place in the state in their division, while Ayden Zaragoza and Ricardo Rodriguez also earned second-place state honors. Audry Lewis, Isabella Castillo, and Macy McWilliams also represented Longview FFA in the competition.
The accomplishments reflect years of participation in leadership and career development events, supervised agricultural experience projects, and community service. Leadership Development Events (LDEs) help students build communication and leadership skills, while Career Development Events (CDEs) prepare students for careers in the agriculture industry through hands-on competitions.
"When students dedicate themselves to pursuing excellence and are recognized at the highest levels, it is a reflection of their character, perseverance, and commitment to their goals,” said Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard. “Earning the Lone Star Degree is an incredible accomplishment, and we are proud of these students for representing Longview ISD with integrity and determination. Their hard work, leadership, and willingness to embrace opportunities today will serve them well as they continue to make a positive impact in the community and beyond."
One of the students' high school agriculture instructors, Dayton Wood, said the recognition reflects years of commitment rather than a single accomplishment.
"Earning the Lone Star Degree is a massive milestone that requires exceptional dedication and hard work. This is the highest honor a state association can bestow upon a member, reflecting countless hours of dedication, leadership, and commitment to agriculture. These students represent the very best of our program and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish in their agricultural lives!"
For Gunnar Broadway, earning the Lone Star Degree represents the culmination of years of dedication.
"Earning my Texas Lone Star Degree is more than receiving an award. It's the result of years of dedication, leadership, and hard work," Broadway said. "Every Leadership Development Event, Career Development Event, livestock project, and record book taught me responsibility, perseverance, and the value of seeing a commitment through. Those experiences have opened doors to scholarships, career opportunities, lifelong friendships, and the confidence to lead wherever life takes me."
Trisha Dhana said the recognition marks not only an achievement, but also the personal growth she experienced through the organization.
"When I first joined FFA, I never imagined how much it would shape who I am today," Dhana said. "Earning my Lone Star Degree is more than just an award. It represents the early mornings, challenges, lessons, and people who have helped me grow along the way. I'm grateful for the opportunities FFA has given me and the impact it has had on my life. It's an honor to represent Longview ISD, and as I prepare to retire the blue jacket, I'm excited to see where this journey takes me next."
Longview ISD continues to invest in agricultural education by providing students with opportunities to compete, lead, and gain real-world experience through FFA. The district's continued success at the state level reflects its commitment to career and technical education programs that prepare students for college, careers, and leadership opportunities while meeting the workforce needs of East Texas and beyond.