By Julie Tomascik
Editor
Discussing agricultural issues and solutions earned four high school students recognition from the Heart O’ Texas Fair and Rodeo and Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) through the second annual Speak Out For Agriculture (SOFA) Challenge.
“The event fosters an environment for students to better understand issues facing farmers and ranchers and how they can work toward change and be part of the solutions,” McKenna Bush, TFB youth outreach coordinator, said. “High school students are also able to grow and build on basic discussion and critical thinking skills through this challenge.”
As the winner, Jacie Pennington of Bryson earned a $2,500 scholarship, jacket and banner.
Hallie Hackett of Texarkana was named runner up and received a $1,500 scholarship, jacket and banner.
Two finalists—Natalie Troyer of Houston and Jhett Davis of Grandview—were each awarded $750 scholarships, jackets and banners.
The top 16 contestants received a $125 gift card. They are:
Thomas Barton – Shepherd FFA
Sarah Beck – Navarro County 4-H
Caitlyn Clapper – Montgomery County 4-H
Jhett Davis – Johnson County 4-H
Caitlyn Grange – Lee County 4-H
Hallie Hackett – Hooks FFA
Joshua Jones – Smith County 4-H
John McCullough – West FFA
Hannah Moreno – Stephens County 4-H
Kenley Pack – Erath County 4-H
Jacie Pennington – Wise County 4-H
Joseph Polster – Hamilton FFA
Ian Ranly – Bell County 4-H
Savay Sexton – Gonzales County 4-H
Kayla Strack – Wharton County 4-H
Natalie Troyer – Clear Brook FFA
The event 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.
Over 35 students participated in the contest, which began with 90-second speeches in the preliminary rounds. Additional contest rounds featured discussions on the impact of national food policy on agriculture and food insecurity and how to recruit STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) graduates into agricultural careers.
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 contest encourages young students to engage with Farm Bureau, network with their peers across the state and better understand challenges facing agriculture,” Bush said.
The contest was sponsored by TFB and hosted by the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo in Waco Oct. 1-2.
For more information on youth opportunities and scholarships, visit texasfarmbureau.org/youth/youth-opportunities.