Three members of the Elgin FFA community returned home from the Texas FFA Convention with some of the organization’s highest honors, giving Elgin ISD families another reason to celebrate the district’s growing commitment to agricultural education, student leadership and career readiness.

Rising Elgin High School seniors Preston Maas and Aislyn Plummer each earned the Lone Star Degree, the highest degree available to a student member through the Texas FFA Association. Maggie Howard, Elgin ISD’s director of Career and Technical Education, P-TECH and College, Career and Military Readiness, received the Honorary Lone Star Degree, the association’s highest recognition for an individual supporter.

The three honors reflect years of work both inside and outside the classroom, while also highlighting the people who help Elgin FFA students build confidence, develop practical skills and serve their community.

Elgin FFA Students Earn Lone Star Degrees

For Maas and Plummer, receiving the Texas FFA Lone Star Degree marked a major milestone in their high school careers.

The award recognizes student members who demonstrate sustained achievement in agricultural education, leadership, community service and supervised agricultural experience programs. Earning the degree requires long-term participation and a record of meaningful involvement in FFA activities.

Both students have become standout representatives of the qualities FFA works to develop in young people, including responsibility, communication, service and a willingness to lead.

Their recognition also reflects the support of Elgin FFA advisors, teachers, families and community members who have encouraged them throughout their time in the program.

For younger students considering agricultural science classes or joining Elgin FFA, the accomplishments of Maas and Plummer offer a local example of where steady participation can lead.

Maggie Howard Receives Honorary Lone Star Degree

Howard received the Honorary Lone Star Degree after being nominated by Elgin FFA advisors for her support of agricultural education and FFA programs within the district.

Unlike many people who receive the recognition, Howard was not an FFA member as a student and never wore the organization’s familiar blue corduroy jacket. Her understanding of FFA developed later, as her career moved into Career and Technical Education leadership.

Through that work, she came to see how agricultural education can shape students’ academic goals, career plans and sense of belonging.

Although her own path did not begin in FFA, Howard has helped create opportunities for the students who are part of it today. Her work through Elgin ISD CTE, P-TECH and College, Career and Military Readiness programs connects students with hands-on learning, industry skills and pathways beyond graduation.

The Honorary Lone Star Degree recognizes that kind of behind-the-scenes commitment—the planning, advocacy and support that allow student programs to grow.

A Shared Celebration in Fort Worth

Howard, Maas and Plummer celebrated their honors together at the Texas FFA Convention in Fort Worth, surrounded by family members, teachers, advisors and fellow students.

The location carried additional meaning for Howard, a Fort Worth native who was able to receive the recognition in her hometown.

For the Elgin FFA community, the moment represented more than three individual awards. It brought together student achievement, educator support and family pride in one shared celebration.

That connection is especially important in FFA, where student success often grows from years of mentoring, project work, competitions, service activities and encouragement from people across the community.

Why the Texas FFA Honors Matter for Elgin ISD

FFA programs give students opportunities to explore agriculture, business, science, public speaking, leadership and skilled careers. Those experiences can prepare students for college, technical training, military service or direct entry into the workforce.

For Elgin families, the recognition of Maas, Plummer and Howard shows how local Career and Technical Education programs can create lasting opportunities for students.

Their achievements also add to Elgin ISD’s broader efforts to prepare students for life after high school through practical learning, professional development and community involvement.

As Maas and Plummer begin their senior year, their Lone Star Degrees will stand as a reminder of the time and effort they invested in Elgin FFA. Howard’s Honorary Lone Star Degree reflects the district leadership helping ensure future students have the same opportunity to grow.

Together, the three honorees represent different parts of the same mission: helping Elgin students discover their strengths, serve others and prepare for what comes next.

Residents can stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more updates on Elgin ISD students, local schools, community achievements and educational opportunities.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.

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