Breckenridge Texan

It’s National FFA Week, and as a Chapter and District Officer, I feel compelled to share with the community what FFA has done for me. It has given me confidence and an avenue to research my interests and set and work towards my goals. It encourages me to create opportunities for myself and work hard to see them to fruition. If you or your student would like to know more about what FFA can do for you, please feel free to reach out to me and I’d love to help you make a connection with our Chapter.

As many of you know, I had the honor of representing the Breckenridge Chapter as well as the Pecan Valley District of FFA last fall as first chair trumpet in the 2025-2026 National FFA Band. It was a week-long trip of a lifetime. I met and made lifelong friends. I had the opportunity to interact and learn from National Officers, The National FFA Board of Directors, Nationally Acclaimed Band Directors and I had the opportunity to meet and visit with The US Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins.

The experience allowed me to learn new skills to become a better musician and a stronger leader. I absolutely could not have done it without my support system: my mom, Kim Fuller, and sister, Rihana Fuller. They were there to run all my errands and make sure I fueled my body with food when I was just too exhausted to bother. They lifted me up when I felt overwhelmed and inadequate.

I was there playing with the best musicians across the country and being led by the best band directors. As first chair, I was expected to be the support as well as leader for my section. My mom and sister encouraged me and made me believe I could do it. They were there to remind me that I worked so long and hard to be a part of the FFA National Band and I was worthy and able to fulfill the role the National Band Directors expected of me. It was a very rigorous 10-11 hours daily of learning, perfecting and performing the music given to us, but I would do it again in a heartbeat!

I wouldn’t have had full success without the support of this community. All the words of encouragement and the financial help to ensure I had all that I needed to perform my National Band duties means so much to me. I want to personally thank all of the financial supporters that helped me take this journey to the Indiana National FFA Convention:

The Loftis Family – Adler and Amy Lofits and Madison Yarger-From the financial Support to the Outfits, you are amazing.
Eolian Community Church-My home church who graciously came to me to tell me they were helping to sponsor this trip.
A&S Diesel and Automotive
Jeanene Poston at Breckenridge Family Counseling
Kel-Abby Collision Center
Morehart Mortuary & Family as well as Mr. Jack and Mrs. Carrol Morehart, Mr. Terry and Mrs. Lisa Langford
Mrs. Fran Sikes
J&J Oilfield Electric Co. Inc.
Jerry Lawson
Darcy Turner at Turner Seed Co.
Melton Kitchens
Mr. Brian Kight
Dr. Cynthia English
Dana and Burrell McKelvain
Mrs. Halee Mitchell
Mrs. Susan Shortes
Chicken Express-Mr. Joseph Ford
The Bibby Family
Mrs. Marlene Sitts
Mrs. Lisa Echols
Mrs. Laura Gibson
Interbank
Fernandez Plumbing-Mrs. Cynthia Fernandez
Mrs. Tonya McKenzie
Ron Hoover RV & Marine Breckenridge
Mrs. Kasi Henderson
Mr. Todd Tidwell & Family
Ms. Brandi Casey
Mrs. Allison Young
Breckenridge Donut Shop
Mr. Christian Flores & Family
Ms. Joyce Calloway
Breckenridge ISD, Superintendent, School Board Members and Breckenridge FFA
Breckenridge FFA Alumni

I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to Charlie Parker at K-Lakes Radio and the ladies at Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce who went out of their way to promote me and my fundraising efforts. I also need to mention Jerry Don Galloway Pro Rodeo LLC who allowed me to set up a booth at their event to fundraise.

Finally, to all those that stopped me around town and took interest in my experience or told me how proud you were of me, just know that it means so much. Thank you to those that shared my Fuel My Plane Fundraiser and spread awareness. I could not be more honored to represent the Community of Breckenridge, Texas, on this National Stage! I’m so blessed and humbled by every supporter along this journey. I hope I made you all sufficiently proud!!

Rylee Fuller

FFA Chapter Officer, FFA District Officer and FFA National Band Member