By Julie Tomascik
Editor
A high school junior from Runnels County took home first place and a $6,000 scholarship as the winner of Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) 2021 Free Enterprise Speech Contest.
Benjamin Flanagan, son of Scott and Mylea Flanagan, topped 10 other speakers from across Texas in the annual contest.
Flanagan is a homeschool student and active in 4-H activities, including the Youth Livestock Ambassadors and a member of the District 7 4-H Council. He received the Gold Star 4-H Award and participates in livestock judging and the 4-H Livestock Skillathon. He has received the All-American in Livestock Skillathon and is also a member of Grace Fellowship Church.
He plans to attend Texas A&M University and major in animal production.
Runner-up in the competition and winner of a $3,000 scholarship was Amanda Hoffmann of Bexar County.
Hoffmann, daughter of Otis and Christine Hoffmann, is a senior at Samuel Clemens High School in Schertz.
She is active in several organizations, including 4-H and FFA. She is a 4-H Youth Livestock Ambassador, vice president of the Santa Clara 4-H Club, Texas FFA Ford Leadership Scholar and vice president of Cibolo Creek FFA chapter. She is also the National Honor Society treasurer and Positively Influencing Everyone (PIE) Club treasurer. Hoffmann is also a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church.
Hoffmann plans to attend Texas A&M University and major in animal science.
“Our contestants delivered strong speeches detailing the benefits of the free enterprise system and how it’s integral to our nation’s success,” TFB President Russell Boening said. “These young individuals displayed knowledge of our economy, our government and Farm Bureau. We’re proud of their hard work and the roles they will play in the future of agriculture.”
Four other finalists and winners of $2,000 scholarships were William Jones of Rusk County, A.J. Kendrick of Lubbock County, Steven Perez of Starr County and Carson Smith from Hall County.
The winner, runner-up and four finalists will receive an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to visit elected officials, observe Congress in session and visit historical sites.
Other contestants and winners of $1,500 district scholarships were Brock Braden of Midland County, Maggie DeLaCerda of Denton County, Logan James of Wilson County, Conner Schroeder of Archer County and Bryli Wilson of Lampasas County.
To compete in the Free Enterprise Speech Contest, contestants must have participated in the Thrive program, part of Texas Farm Bureau’s Student Success Series.
More details about the contest and other youth opportunities are available online at texasfarmbureau.org/youth/youth-opportunities.