Renowned Branch Continues its Tradition of Excellence and Reflects the Importance of Agriculture Within Their Community by Earning 13 State Championship Titles and $59,000 in Scholarships
Written by Matt Corirossi
Groundbreaking American tennis player Billie Jean King was once quoted as, “Winning comes down to who can execute under pressure.” This simple observation centers on the crucial steps that must happen for someone to become victorious at any endeavor. Often, in pursuit of a goal, individuals focus all their time on the preparation stages of the process. Ample time is given to visualization, as they gather themselves. People will concentrate on what is needed and the exact order to realize an accolade. They anticipate what may have to be sacrificed or adapted for a viable conclusion to calm any last-minute concerns. While there is validity in all these measures and a worthy inclusion in any plan, by itself, it lacks a necessary component to become an effective solution. To be triumphant at anything involves the implementation of preconceived strategies and blueprints. What separates the successful from the non-successful is having the fortitude to follow through with the proper and decisive action at the correct time. Those that can meet the moment will see the greatest gains and advantages over others. In a competitive environment, this process is heightened. Wins and loses are determined by navigating any stressful situation and completing the objective in the most proficient manner. Regardless of the targeted achievement, the process remains the same.
The Stephenville FFA (Future Farmers of America) is the local chapter comprised of students enrolled at Stephenville High School in Stephenville, TX. Stephenville FFA is within a network of three FFA chapters located within the city limits. Those chapters are Stephenville High School, Huckaby ISD (Independent School District), and Three Way ISD. Despite being known primarily as the “Cowboy Capital of the World”, for having more cowboys and rodeo athletes per capita than anywhere else in the world, it is also a major agricultural hub within the state of Texas. According to the City of Stephenville’s website, “Agriculture is Stephenville’s leading industry and Erath County is the state’s leading milk producer with approximately $140 million in production.” Bolstering the city’s agricultural presence is Tarleton State University, a public college renowned for its College of Agriculture and National Resources. The town’s environment is the ideal situation for a thriving FFA chapters. Some students raised on generational farms see participating in FFA as their way to continue their family’s heritage. Texas FFA’s website introduced readers to Stephenville FFA member Sterling Richmond, who is from an agricultural background. He completed a successful Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) by expanding his duties on his family’s hay and cattle ranch. Other students are first generation agricultural students who are drawn to the thriving scene and eager to put their stamp on the industry. Agricultural sustainability provider Ambrook profiled Stephenville FFA member Charleigh Feuerbacher whose experience growing up around farms and plants led to her love of horticulture. This interest translated to her completing a SAE centered on examining the effects of different sugar additives on plant growth and the best methods to increase the Vitamin C content of greens. Stephenville FFA continued their historic path of personal development, fortified the agriculture industry’s future, and displayed overall excellence by claiming 13 State Championship Titles and $59,000 in Scholarships at the recent 96th Annual Texas FFA State Convention. The 96th Annual Texas FFA State Convention was held July 8th to 12th at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.
In understanding the affinity that students have towards Stephenville FFA, the background of the FFA must be known. The FFA was founded in 1928 by a group of young farmers. This official organization was based off the work of a small group of agricultural teachers at Virginia Polytechnic Institute, which began in 1925. A mission statement was formed to equip future generations with the tools needed to meet the challenges of feeding an increasing population. For the founders, agriculture was not just planting and harvesting but included science, business, and art. As FFA grew, so did the interests among their members. Students were interested in joining who were not necessarily planning on partaking in a career within the agricultural industry. In 1988, a vote of the national delegates determined that the FFA was for those who wanted to engage in agriculture and aspire to be farmers, teachers, doctors, scientists, business owners, and other related professions. This focus has made the FFA the leading intracurricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership. The FFA states on their website that, “Today, the National FFA Organization remains committed to the individual student, providing a path to achievement in premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.”
Future Farmers of America Logo. Photograph Credit: Future Farmers of America’s Facebook Page
The FFA is structured in three tiers: local FFA chapters, state FFA associations, and national FFA organizations. All students attending a public or private school grades 5 to 12 or college and are taking an agricultural course are granted the opportunity to participate in the organization. If a student does not have an agricultural education program in their school, resources are available to help them create their own and join FFA. Any interested student should notify their school counselor or agricultural teacher about their intention to declare membership for the FFA. Once that is known and the student pays the $7 National FFA Organization fee and any related local or state FFA membership fee, they are a registered FFA member. As FFA is an extension of classroom learning, each member will be assigned a SAE. SAE are projects that provide hands-on training and an application of classroom material.
One of the major benefits to an FFA membership is access to the state’s FFA convention. According to the Texas FFA Foundation’s website, “The annual Texas FFA Convention serves as an opportunity for members to be recognized for a job well done, expand their professional networks, and gain inspiration from the stories of others.” Equally as important, it is a scholarship opportunity with the ability to change lives and further their members’ education and career goals. In 2023, 915 chapters were registered in Texas. Over 2500 students were recognized on stage and 2.3 million was given in academic and award scholarships. In 2022, there was a record-setting number of attendees at 16,732. Winning a FFA competition category is the goal for every FFA convention attendee. Becoming a state champion not only secures statewide level accolades and scholarship money, but access to compete at the National FFA convention for additional prizes. The 97th National FFA Convention & Expo Center is set for October 23rd to 26th at Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN.
When the dust settled on the convention, Stephenville FFA made its mark as a highly decorated chapter. They had a heavy impact on the state results and are anticipating a similar result for the upcoming national convention. Among the highlights are: 13 members earning their Lone Star Degree, 1 honorary Lone Star Degree, Stephenville FFA recognized as a Gold Ranked Chapter and one of the top FFA Chapters through the Golden Horizon Awards Program, 7 members recognized as Star Award Finalists, Stephenville FFA earning 10 State Championship Titles within the Agriscience Fair Program, 3 state champions of their Proficiency Awards, 2 HLSR Scholarship Recipients, 1 Ford Leadership Scholar, and Hudson Westbrook, Stephenville FFA alumni, selected as the opening act for the Texas FFA Kick-Off Concert. Stephenville FFA posted a video chronicling of their eventful convention on their Facebook page.
The complete Stephenville FFA results can be found below:
13 Lonestar Degree Recipients: Anya Airola, Jaedyn Berry, Brayson Burch, Kaylee Fair, Ally Foster, Mattie Gaynor, Meg McGregor, Lexi Nelms, Kaleb Osinga, Kaylee Porter, Dallee Robison, Charlie Rumsey, and Aubrey Vanden Berge.
7 Star Awards: Kirsten Cline, Mari Horwath, Hudson Munsick, Jackson Richmond, Kade Cason, Kenley Pack, and Kaylee Fair.
Hudson Munsick, Jackson Richmond, Kade Cason, Kenley Pack, and Kaylee Fair advanced to compete for a State Championship.
3 Proficiency Awards: Kaylee Fair, Kaleb Osinga, and Sterling Richmond.
2 HLSR Scholarships: Shayla Mader and Sterling Richmond
Ford Leadership Scholar: Shayla Mader
Golden Horizon Winner: Stephenville FFA
14 Science Fair State Champions: Hudson Munsick, Kendall Burch, Taylor Hice, Luke Gilliland, Ebb Montgomery, Kaylee Fair, Charleigh Feuerbacher, Kenley Pack, Ally Foster, Jaedyn Berry, Zyler McClendon, Payson Chipman, Jake Goodwin, Turner Montgomery, Shayla Mader, Sterling Richmond and Jackson Richmond
State Runner-Up: Garrett Mader and Aidyn McKeehan
State Finalists: Tucker Hubbard and Meg McGregor
Opening act for Braxton Keith at the Texas FFA Kick-Off Concert: Hudson Westbrook
Those interested in learning more about Stephenville FFA or the FFA can follow them online at stephenville.ffanow.org/default.aspx?ID=48161 and ffa.org.
The Stephenville FFA remains a powerhouse with the FFA system as they continually raise the bar through their outstanding work at the 96th Annual Texas FFA State Convention. Fueled by a geographic history and bloodlines that are deeply tied to the city’s agricultural history and an upstart generation encouraged to blaze their own trail, the future of agriculture is bright within the state of Texas and beyond. Lessons displayed at the convention are sure to have far-reaching implications and handle every subsequent challenge.