09/01/2026
TODAY IS THE DAY, KATY FFA!!
It’s our FIRST meeting of the year!!
I’m Iris Figueroa, your 2026–2027 Katy FFA President, and I am more than honored to be a part of this chapter that I am lucky enough to call my second family.
I’m a senior, making this my fourth and final year in this organization. This year will also be my second year as an officer—from serving as your Katy FFA Treasurer and NorthBEST District Reporter to now serving as your PLACE TO BE, Area 3 Vice President!! Being able to give back not only to my chapter but also to our area association has given me countless friendships, unforgettable memories, and experiences that feed my soul and remind me why I keep coming back to this organization.
My passion for FFA began in the fall with LDE season. I have competed on both our Junior and Senior Chapter Conducting teams, placing 3rd in the state this past season. Throughout the years, it hasn’t been the number on our banner that has meant the most to me. It’s the late-night practices, the hard work, the countless laughs, and the people beside me that remind me why I love this team so much.
I’ve also been a loyal plant nerd since my freshman year, competing on our Nursery/Landscaping team. This past spring, we placed 2nd in the state, and we’re hoping to bring home the win for Katy FFA this year! When it comes to livestock, I’ve raised lambs for the Katy Livestock Show and Rodeo since my freshman year. Last year, I decided to expand my experience and raise pigs for the Fort Bend County Fair—and I currently have my second pig in the barn right now!
To every greenhand and returning member: don’t let the fear of embarrassment hold you back from your potential. Step outside of your comfort zone. Try that new event. Experience failure. Make mistakes. Embrace the uncomfortable moments. These are the experiences that push us to grow, teach us lessons we wouldn’t learn otherwise, and prepare us for something even greater.
And don’t be afraid to talk to someone new!
It’s easy to become friends with the loudest and most extroverted person in the room. But sometimes, the most meaningful connections come from taking that extra step to talk to someone who doesn’t fit that persona. You never know the impact you may make—or what you might learn—simply because you took the time to get to know someone.
So, Katy FFA, as we start this new year, try something new, meet someone new, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Your biggest opportunity might be waiting just outside of your comfort zone. I can’t wait to see new and familiar faces tonight and what impacts, new memories, and new friendships arise from this year!