Two Aledo FFA students win stock show calf scramble

Samuel Hardwick and Phoenix Lanford, two members of Aledo FFA, each caught a calf during the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo’s Calf Scramble on Jan. 18, earning a $500 purchase certificate for a show heifer and the chance for up to $16,000 in scholarship awards. Hardwick’s parents are Christin and Aaron Hardwick of Aledo. His award was sponsored by River Ranch. Lanford’s parents are Michelle and Darrell Lanford of Aledo. His award was sponsored by Therrell Family.

One of the Stock Show’s most iconic and popular events, the Calf Scramble gives 20 students an opportunity to catch 10 calves during one of 23 performances of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo held Jan. 13 through Feb. 4. Those not catching calves receive a pair of Justin Boots courtesy of the western footwear maker. Justin Boots and Texas Mutual Insurance Company are overall underwriters for the Calf Scramble Program.

 Since the Fort Worth Calf Scramble began in 1987, the program has distributed almost $4 million to nearly 8,000 Texas students providing funds for the purchase of their beef or dairy heifer and more than $3.6 million in scholarships has been awarded to more than 1,600 students in recognition of their hard work and completion of the program. Samuel Hardwick will use the purchase certificate toward the cost of a heifer that he will raise and exhibit at next year’s Stock Show. Exhibitors that submit monthly reports and a final essay may be eligible for scholarship awards that can range between $500 and $16,000.