By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

The Texas FFA Association announced the selection of the 2025 Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) scholarship recipients during the 97th annual Texas FFA State Convention in Fort Worth at the beginning of July.

Candace Brooke Gutierrez received a $10,000 scholarship. Hunter Lawson, who served as Texas FFA’s state president over the last year, received a $6,000 scholarship.

“We’re proud to recognize these students and their dedication to agriculture,” McKenna Bush, TFB Youth Outreach coordinator, said. “Texas Farm Bureau is proud of how they have represented agriculture and connected with their communities during their time in FFA. We’re excited to see them grow and wish them the best in their future endeavors.”

Candace Brooke Gutierrez
Gutierrez plans to attend Abilene Christian University to study nursing. She hopes to work as a labor and delivery nurse and serve on medical missions across the globe.

She graduated from Katy High School where she was active in her FFA chapter. She participated in several contests, including greenhand creed speaking, agricultural issues, agricultural advocacy and job interview. She also participated in poultry evaluation all four years of high school. This year, her team won state and will be competing at the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo in the fall.

She also exhibited swine and broilers.

Gutierrez held leadership roles in the Gilmer FFA Chapter, including reporter, treasurer and secretary. During her junior year, she served as the Northwest District FFA president.

She also played basketball her freshman year and was worship leader at her church.

“It is truly a blessing to receive such a generous scholarship toward this next chapter of my life,” Gutierrez said. “It’s overwhelming to try and comprehend the immense support that has been poured out on me throughout my time in the blue and gold jacket, and I truly appreciate Texas Farm Bureau for caring so deeply about supporting the next generation.”

Hunter Lawson
Lawson plans to study animal science with a concentration in science at Texas A&M University in the fall, with hopes to attend medical school in the future.

He graduated from Paradise High School, where he was active in his FFA chapter. He participated in several contests, including chapter conducting, creed speaking, milk quality and farm business management. He also advanced to state in both the veterinary science and job interview contests.

Before serving as state president, he served as an officer for his chapter, was the Oil Belt District president and the Area IV first vice president.

He was also active in several student organizations, including National Honor Society and student council, and played tennis.

“Receiving this scholarship is definitely an incredible honor,” Lawson said. “It’s incredible that an organization that is one of, if not the biggest support of Texas agriculture, is then recognizing those efforts and continuing to support students is just truly incredible. I’m in awe of what Texas Farm Bureau does, not just for Texas FFA, but for everyone.”

TFB sponsorship
TFB, a corporate sponsor of Texas FFA, provides assistance to the organization through various youth outreach and development programs during the year, as well as a complimentary TFB membership to each FFA chapter in Texas.