By Julie Tomascik
Editor

Four high school students were recognized by the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo and Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) for their discussion of agricultural issues and solutions through the annual Speak Out For Agriculture (SOFA) Challenge.

“The contest encourages young students to engage with Farm Bureau, network with their peers across the state and better understand challenges facing agriculture,” McKenna Bush, TFB Youth Outreach coordinator, said.

The winner of this year’s contest was Jordan VanWinkle of Sulphur Springs. She earned a $2,500 scholarship, jacket and banner.

VanWinkle is a senior at Sulphur Springs High School where she is active in FFA and serves as the chapter president and Area VI first vice president. She’s also a Ford Leadership Scholar through Texas FFA. She plans to attend Texas A&M University and major in agricultural communications and agricultural economics.

Calee Scoggins of Lorena was named runner up and received a $1,500 scholarship, jacket and banner.

Scoggins is a junior at Lorena High School and is president of the Lorena FFA Chapter and is active in the McLennan County 4-H Club. She plans to attend Texas A&M University and major in agricultural economics.

Two finalists—Avery McInvale and Lillian Crawley—were each awarded $750 scholarships, jackets and banners.

McInvale is a homeschool senior from Rockwall. She serves in numerous leadership roles with the Rockwall County 4-H and the Texas Junior Polled Hereford Association. She is a state champion in cross country and also participates in UIL speaking events. McInvale plans to attend Angelo State University and pursue a degree in agribusiness.

Crawley is a junior at James E. Taylor High School in Katy. She is active in FFA and on the swim team. She plans to attend college and major in international agricultural relations.

The top 16 contestants received a $125 gift card. They included:

  • William Adkinson – Ellis County 4-H
  • Sarah Beck – Corsicana FFA
  • Kynlee Berry – Midlothian FFA
  • Christopher Clayton – Burnet County 4-H
  • Lillian Crawley – Katy Taylor FFA
  • Cooper Daniel – Baylor County 4-H
  • Kade Davis – Johnson County 4-H
  • Conner Gilbert – Pittsburg FFA
  • Caitlyn Grange – Lee County 4-H
  • Avery McInvale – Rockwell County 4-H
  • Armando Pereira – Cinco Ranch FFA
  • Sophia Robbins – Cinco Ranch FFA
  • Calee Scoggins – Lorena FFA
  • Steven Streetman – Grapeland FFA
  • Jordan VanWinkle – Sulphur Springs FFA
  • Natalie Vaughn – North Hopkins FFA

The event, now in its fourth year, was open to high school students who are active in Texas 4-H and Texas FFA with an interest in agriculture, membership organization involvement or public policy.

Nearly 80 students participated in the contest, which began with 90-second speeches in the preliminary rounds. Additional contest rounds featured discussions on tax policy and food safety.

The contestants were responsible for the exchange of ideas and information to solve the problem addressed in the topic and to develop action plans for a solution.

The 2024 SOFA Challenge was sponsored by TFB and hosted by the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo in Waco Sept. 28-29.

For more information on youth opportunities and scholarships available through TFB, visit texasfarmbureau.org/youth/youth-opportunities.