The 97th annual Texas Extension Education Association (TEEA) Conference took place September 9–10, 2025, at the Doubletree Hilton in Abilene. This year’s theme, “Two Stepping to Abilene,” welcomed members from across the state for two days of learning, recognition, and celebration.
The conference began Tuesday morning with early-bird workshops including “Happy (Please Don’t) Fall Y’all,” “What Do You Say…,” and “Listening to You.”
Austin County members shone in the Cultural Arts Contest.
- Jessie Kokemor earned 3rd place with her machine-quilted Santa and Snowflake quilt.
- Barney Zimmerman won 3rd place with an oil painting of bluebonnets.
- Gaye Farr took home multiple awards: 1st place for a pencil drawing of a barn in Industry, 2nd place for a painting of a rock archway, 3rd place for a watercolor of a magnolia blossom, and 2nd place for a digitally produced Granny Camp scrapbook.
- Knellen Quinteros earned 2nd place for a Fall Wreath wall hanging.
Other participants in the Cultural Arts Contest included Cindy Salter with a linen dress, Doris Glenewinkel with a blue and silver jewelry set, and Joan Buenger with a handmade “Thinking of You” card.
Opening Session and Delegates
TEEA State President Jan Meador officially opened the conference Tuesday afternoon. The Dyess Air Force Base Honor Guard presented the colors, followed by a lively welcome from Taylor County Judge Phil Crowley, who engaged delegates with a bingo game featuring Abilene businesses and landmarks.
Austin County was well represented. Voting delegates were Joan Buenger, Gaye Farr, and Jessie Kokemor. Members who attended were Doris Glenewinkel and Shirley Beum. Knellen Quinteros serves as the District 11 Director on the State TEEA Board. In total, the conference welcomed 120 voting delegates and 222 participants statewide.
Recognitions
- Keely Knesek of Gonzales County was awarded the District 11 scholarship
- Gloria Havemann was honored as a 25-year member
- Verna Coufal, Delores Kuehn, Betty Lehmann, Mary Smentek, and Betty Thiel were each recognized for 20 years of service
Keynote and Educational Programs
Wednesday’s keynote speaker, Peggy Freeman, encouraged attendees to “use the gifts of the past to preserve the future.” She emphasized the value of recording and protecting family stories, letters, photos, and traditions with all the emotions contained in them so they can be passed on to future generations. These legacies may take many forms—writings, artwork, maps, audio and video recordings, or cherished heirlooms. She stressed that such treasures are irreplaceable and deserve to be safeguarded.
State TEEA Advisor Alice Kirk, from Texas A&M AgriLife, led the Lunch and Learn program. During her program she highlighted the upcoming 100th anniversary of TEEA. Members are already looking forward to celebrating this centennial conference in College Station.
In the afternoon participants enjoyed workshops that provided practical knowledge. Some of the workshops included:
- Well Families: Grandparents Engaging Their Families for Health
- Take Action to be Active
- The Importance of Hydration as We Age
Austin County TEEA members will share these workshops locally during the 2025–2026 program year. Optional sessions included Benefits of Goat Milk Soap, Denim Dreams and Delightful Things, and Women’s Personal Safety.
This year the TEEA members donated volunteer hours, scholarships and monetary donations that amounted to $3,071,507.87. That is quite an accomplishment!
