By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) awarded Natalee Rose, a senior at Coleman High School, a $5,000 scholarship during the Texas Association, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) state conference.

Each year, TFB awards one scholarship to a state or regional officer of Texas FCCLA who majors in a field of study related to family and consumer sciences.

“Texas Farm Bureau works with Texas FCCLA to grow our future leaders,” McKenna Bush, TFB Youth Outreach coordinator, said. “Family and consumer science education ties in closely to agriculture, offering students career opportunities in nutrition and culinary arts, textiles and clothing, consumer resource management and so much more.”

After graduation, Rose plans to attend Texas Tech University and study human sciences or education. She hopes to work in a field where she makes connections and impacts lives.

“My goal in life since I was younger has been to be able to connect to people and help people,” Rose said. “So, whether that’s in a career in education or psychology or social work, I want to be able to have a real connection with people that are going through something and get them through and make a visible impact on somebody’s life.”

Rose is the state vice president of public relations for Texas FCCLA and heavily involved in the organization. She served as region two vice president and state president and has also participated in several national events including Power of One and Student Body.

“Something special about FCCLA is that you really have a second home and a second family,” she said. “No matter what interests you have, what hobbies you have, what type of person you are, everybody has been extremely accepting and welcoming to others. It’s been an amazing experience, and it’s been the absolute best honor of my life.”

In addition to FCCLA, Rose is active in several activities at Coleman High School, including varsity cheerleader, UIL speech and debate, serves as the National Honor Society president and competitive all-star cheer.

“The biggest thing that I’ve learned from FCCLA has been self-confidence. Everybody is kind, welcoming and outgoing, and I’ve had instances outside of FCCLA where I’ve been torn down a lot. So, being able to be in an organization that is always kind and welcoming has given me so much confidence,” Rose said.

She’s learned invaluable lessons in growing her professional skills, too. Her experiences have helped prepare her for life after graduation.

Bush presented the scholarship to Rose during the state conference.

Get more information about TFB youth opportunities at texasfarmbureau.org/youth/youth-opportunities.

View more TFB scholarship winners at texasfarmbureau.org/scholarships.