In a unique twist, a local mother and daughter were recently honored at the 98th annual Texas FFA State Convention July 6-10.
Amanda Reeves, Ag-Science Teacher and FFA Advisor at Big Sandy ISD, was awarded the Honorary Lone Star FFA Degree and her daughter, Reagan Reeves, of the Big Sandy FFA Chapter, was awarded the Lone Star FFA Degree.
The Honorary Lone Star FFA Degree – awarded to the mother – is the highest honorary degree bestowed by the Texas FFA. It recognizes individuals who have rendered outstanding service to agricultural education and the Texas FFA. She was one of 86 individuals receiving this esteemed honorary degree.
The Lone Star FFA Degree – awarded to the daughter – is the highest degree bestowed by the Texas FFA. It 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. Reeves was one of more than 3,000 FFA members to receive this esteemed degree.
Amanda Reeves has been an educator for 20 years, with 15 of those years dedicated to teaching agricultural science at Big Sandy High School, where she graduated in 2001. In addition to being named an Honorary Lone Star recipient this year, she has earned both the Lone Star Texas FFA Degree (2000) and the American FFA Degree (2002), the highest degree awarded to members of the National FFA Organization.
Passionate about sharing her love for agriculture and FFA with her students, she and her husband, Roman, along with their daughters, Reagan and Peyton, raise registered Brangus cattle for show and sale. Both daughters have been successful in the show ring with market steers and registered heifers as well as their showmanship skills.
Reagan Reeves is a 17-year-old senior at Big Sandy High School and will begin her fourth year as an FFA member. She has served as the president of the Big Sandy FFA Chapter for the past three years and has been actively involved in many aspects of the organization, including Leadership Development Events (LDEs), Career Development Events (CDEs), and showing steers and heifers.
A dedicated member of the Texas Junior Brangus Association, she has exhibited registered Brangus cattle at numerous major shows in Texas as well as the state and national Brangus shows. She will graduate in May 2027 and plans to attend either Texas A&M University or Texas Tech University, where she intends to pursue a degree in agricultural communications.
