FFA students receive grants

FFA students from Aledo High School, Brock High School, and Weatherford High School will advance to the National FFA competition  from Oct. 29 to Nov. 1 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Future Farmer of America programs, led by Ag Science Teacher Chris Tondre (Aledo), Kayla Horton (Brock), and DeAnn Seal (Weatherford), will each receive a $2,000 check from AgTexas Farm Credit Services, with Aledo and Brock on Thursday, Oct. 16, and Weatherford on Friday, Oct. 17, to help cover travel expenses for the students who will attend and compete.

The FFA programs are comprised of students whose activities include meat judging, wildlife management, veterinary science, public speaking, social media management, leadership development, community service, and raising animals for local and regional junior livestock shows.

“We are honored to support these students who are making smart choices in how to invest their time,” said Kayla Robinson, CEO of AgTexas Farm Credit, who was an FFA member during her teen years.

She adds, “We appreciate the leadership of Chris Tondre, Kayla Horton, and DeAnn Seal, whose students have advanced to national competition, and we are pleased to provide these $2,000 checks to help defray some of the students’ travel costs.”

AgTexas has honored outstanding FFA and 4-H students in the 43 counties it serves for the past 11 years through its AgYouth of the Month Program, which has now funded over $190,000 for graduating high school students and graduate students.

Students may apply for the $1,000 scholarships through noon on Oct. 24 by visiting their local AgTexas office or online at https://agtexas.com/what-we-do/ag-youth/

According to Robinson, “Providing recognition and scholarships for outstanding students interested in agriculture is one of the most effective ways to encourage our best and brightest youths to join our mission of helping feed and clothe the world.”

AgTexas has awarded more than $190,000 to graduating high school seniors over the past ten years.