H.R. No. 562 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, February 18 to 25, 2017, has been set aside as National FFA Week, and in conjunction with this observance, members, advisors, and guests of the Texas FFA Association are gathering in Austin on February 21 to celebrate Texas FFA Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, The FFA was founded in 1928, and the Texas FFA was chartered the following year; throughout its history, the organization has helped youth across the state and nation develop knowledge and skills related to agriculture, food, and natural resources; and WHEREAS, The FFA program is integral to a three-part educational model that also includes classroom instruction and supervised hands-on experiences, and this initiative provides vital support to the core curriculum of the Texas Education Agency's Foundation High School Program; and WHEREAS, Texas FFA also fosters good citizenship and strong leadership in the state's schools, and over the course of its long history, FFA has produced many outstanding community, state, and national leaders in the fields of industry, education, and government, including many members who have served in this chamber; and WHEREAS, The largest FFA organization in the country, the Texas association has more than 118,000 members led by an elected group of state officers who each represent one of the state's 10 FFA areas; each year, the organization awards more than $2 million in scholarships to deserving members who have demonstrated academic excellence, career readiness, and preparation for effective civic engagement; and WHEREAS, The Texas FFA Association contributes immensely to the success of agriculture, career, and technical education, and in so doing, it is helping young Texans build a strong foundation for future success; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 21, 2017, as Texas FFA Day at the State Capitol and extend to all those participating sincere best wishes for a meaningful and memorable event; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the Texas FFA Association as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Burns ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 562 was adopted by the House on February 21, 2017, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House