Standing under the bright lights of the 99th Oklahoma FFA State Convention stage, a thunderous wave of cheers erupted across the crowd the moment one phrase rang out: “From the Okmulgee FFA chapter…” What followed was a moment that will be etched forever in Okmulgee High School and FFA history. LeAundre Delonia, a senior at OHS and the chapter’s current president, was officially announced as the 2025-26 Oklahoma FFA Northeast Area Vice President.

With that, Delonia became only the third student from Okmulgee to earn a spot on the prestigious Oklahoma FFA State Officer Team – and the first in over 50 years.

“It wasn’t a dream,” said FFA Advisor Tim Taylor. “This was a culmination of years of hard work, dedication and leadership. LeAundre’s election was a moment we’ll never forget.”

The last time an Okmulgee student held a state FFA officer position, gas was 55 cents a gallon and disco was in its heyday. The names etched in local legend Bill Bearden, Jr. (197374) and Randy Ray (1974-75) – now have a modern-day companion: • Bill Bearden, Jr. – Reporter – 1973-74

• Randy Ray – Reporter – 1974-75

• LeAundre Delonia – Northeast Area Vice President – 2025-26 And Delonia’s achievements don’t stop there. He was also awarded the Oklahoma State FFA Degree, the highest individual honor given by the state association. He shares this rare recognition with fellow Okmulgee FFA member Jazmyne McDaniel, marking the first time in recent history the chapter has had two recipients in the same year.

To earn the Oklahoma State Degree, members must meet rigorous standards of leadership, scholarship, agricultural experience and community service. It reflects years of sustained commitment – and Delonia’s record speaks volumes.

As a student, LeAundre has distinguished himself not only in the FFA but as a scholar, speaker and leader among his peers. As chapter president, he has been the face of a program that was restarted just seven years ago, in 2018. From humble beginnings to historic milestones, Okmulgee FFA has evolved into a model of growth, grit and achievement.

“This is bigger than one person,” Taylor added. “It’s about the legacy being built by all our members – past and present – and the community that believes in them.”

The 2025–26 Oklahoma FFA State Officer Team includes:

• President: Cooper Kline

• Secretary: Coy Davidson • Reporter: Darla Fesmire • Northeast Area VP: LeAundre Delonia

• Northwest Area VP: Heath Laubach

• Central Area VP: Hudson Andrews

• Southeast Area VP: Isabella Whitlock

• Southwest Area VP: Bonham Eslick The excitement doesn’t end at the convention. The Okmulgee FFA Chapter will celebrate its banner year at the Annual Chapter Banquet on Thursday, May 15, at the Okmulgee County Fairgrounds.

From humble beginnings to statewide leadership,

LeAundre Delonia’s story is one of perseverance, purpose and passion. He is more than a student leader he is a symbol of what’s possible when commitment meets opportunity.

And for the Okmulgee FFA program, the future has never looked brighter – shining blue and gold.