By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Texas 4-H Association named the 2023 Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) scholarship recipients earlier this summer during the Texas 4-H State Roundup.

James Cleere and Monty Morgan are the 2023 recipients of $5,000 scholarships funded by TFB through the Texas 4-H Foundation.

“We are pleased to support youth in agriculture to help them on their educational journeys as they work to become the next generation of leaders,” McKenna Bush, TFB Youth Outreach coordinator, said.

Cleere graduated from Madisonville ISD and plans to attend West Texas A&M University to major in animal science with a focus on veterinary science. He plans to pursue a career in the meatpacking industry.

“I am super excited and honored to receive this scholarship from Farm Bureau,” Cleere said. “Pursuing an agricultural career is important to me, and it’s great to have support from the state’s largest farm and ranch organization.”

Cleere exhibited livestock and is heavily involved with his family’s livestock operation. He also participated in livestock judging and public speaking events and is a Texas 4-H Youth Livestock Ambassador.

In addition to 4-H, Cleere participated in FFA, has volunteered with community youth programs and coached a livestock judging team.

Morgan graduated from Huntsville ISD and plans to attend Texas A&M and major in economics. After graduation, he plans to join his family’s business in the oil industry.

“I was ecstatic to learn I received the Farm Bureau scholarship. I’ve worked very hard in my 4-H career, and I’m really glad to have the recognition and support from Farm Bureau,” Morgan said.

Morgan participated in the 4-H GLOBE Citizenship program, where he traveled to Arkansas, Costa Rica, Ireland and Spain to explore culture, learn about sustainable agricultural practices and build upon personal leadership skills. He also exhibited livestock and participated in livestock judging and quiz bowl competitions.

While in high school, Morgan participated in various sports, UIL and other student organizations.

TFB is a longtime supporter of Texas 4-H, working with the youth organization in leadership development, service learning and agricultural advocacy and literacy. TFB provides assistance to the organization through various youth outreach and development programs throughout the year, as well as a complimentary TFB membership to each 4-H club in Texas.