Cheyann Parks, of Edna, who began her senior year at Sam Houston State University, has earned her a prestigious FFA American degree and will be receiving it on November 1, at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.
A student has not received this impressive honor since the early 1990s.
“With student teaching on the horizon, I plan to become an Ag teacher shortly after graduating in the fall of 2026,” Depine said.
Overjoyed and amazed when she learned she will receive the degree, Parks recalled how her journey began as a freshman at Edna, and showing cattle through FFA. She always knew she wanted to pursue a career in agriculture, but it wasn’t until after gradua- tion that what she inherently knew could actually became reality, and she could give back to FFA for everything it’s done for her.
“I talked with an advisor at Sam Houston State University, and we decided choosing an Animal Science major with a teaching certification would be the best fit for me and my potential career paths,” she said. “Not only were my parents there to support me, but Mrs. (Savhannah) Depine gave me encouraging words when I was doubting myself.”
Depine, an FFA advisor and cheer sponsor at EHS, said she’s known Parks since the beginning of her high school career, and has watched her grow into a confident, capable leader.
“Cheyann is a responsible, reliable, and respectful young woman who approaches every task— whether assigned or volunteered for—with dedication and care,” Depine said. “I always knew I could count on her. She approaches her work with precision and attention to detail, so I never had to follow up or worry whether a job would be done well—it always was.”
It’s apparent what Depine said is true about Parks’ attention to detail: twice she’s been selected by two of her animal science professors to assist in organizing the heifer show for Rodeo Austin, due to her experience in raising and showing cattle.
Not to mention, Parks was nominated by her professors and the Ag Alumni members for the Ann Christian Service Award, an award for an agriculture science student who demonstrates outstanding service capabilities while being a SHSU student.
“I’ve represented the Ag department and the university at many events,” Parks said. “I was surprised to learn of the nomination, and I’m honored to have been considered and selected to receive it.”
Parks has been working towards her American degree for the entirety of her high school and college career. As an SHSU freshman, she was a member of the Collegiate Livestock Judging Team and the Agriculture Ambassadors organization. During her second year, she focused on being a senior member of the Ag Ambassadors and said she devoted nearly all her time to them.
“I’ve been able to travel with the department to the Ag Teachers Conference for the past two years, and made many trips to high schools and career fairs promoting San Houston’s Agricultural Department,” Parks said.
Depine said she’s been able to catch up with Parks at various FFA events and contests and seen the young lady she’s grown into.
“I have no doubt she’s thriving… Cheyann laid a solid foundation for herself in high school, and it’s clear she’s carrying that momentum into her college experience,” Depine said.
Parks said with the remainder of her time at SHSU she plans to help and be a part of the advancement of the department who’s made her who she is today.
“Not only that, I wouldn’t be who I am today without being a part of the Edna FFA Chapter and without the support of the advisors who consistently encouraged me along the way,” she said. “Representing Edna FFA on the National level is such an honor.”
Cheyann is the daughter of John and Melissa Parks.
