By Julie Tomascik
Editor
The Texas FFA Association announced the selection of the 2022 Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) scholarship recipients during the 94th annual Texas FFA State Convention in Fort Worth this month.
Ember Reyes, who served as Texas FFA’s state president over the last year, received a $6,000 scholarship, and Emily Dreyer, the Texas FFA first vice president, was awarded a $4,000 scholarship.
“We’re proud of these two young ladies and how they represented agriculture and their communities as a state FFA officer,” McKenna Bush, TFB youth outreach coordinator, said. “These scholarships are an acknowledgment of their dedication to agriculture, and we wish them the best in their future endeavors.”
Reyes plans to attend West Texas A&M University to major in animal science with a focus on veterinary science.
She graduated from James Madison High School in San Antonio where she was active in her FFA chapter. She participated in several speaking, leadership and career development events.
Reyes also participated in the World Food Prize and other student organizations, as well as volunteered as a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind.
“I had plans to pursue a veterinarian pathway in college, and my work with Guide Dogs for the Blind solidified that veterinarian career, but with an emphasis in canines and research like genetics and breeding,” she said.
Reyes also raised egg layer chickens and market broilers, as well as held numerous leadership roles at the chapter, district and area levels throughout her FFA career.
“I’m extremely grateful, excited and humbled to receive this scholarship from Texas Farm Bureau,” Reyes said. “There are so many industry organizations and individuals who support Texas FFA members, and I’ve seen that on display so often throughout my year of service traveling the state. Texas FFA appreciates the role Texas Farm Bureau plays in helping to develop future leaders and agriculturalists.”
Dreyer graduated from Tuloso-Midway High School in Corpus Christi and plans to attend Baylor University and double major in entrepreneurship and religion.
“I want to further my education at seminary and go into the ministry field or create my own business or be a part of a business with religious ties,” she said. “Whether you’re a teacher, doctor, farmer or minister, all of those have something in common—helping people. FFA helped solidify the importance of helping others in traditional and non-traditional ways. And I know that I’ll still be an advocate for agriculture even if I’m not pursuing a career in the industry.”
Dreyer was active in her FFA chapter, serving in numerous leadership roles at the chapter, district and area levels. She also participated in speaking, leadership and career development events.
In addition to her FFA activities, she was a cheerleader, played golf and participated in other student organizations.
“I’m honored to receive this Texas Farm Bureau scholarship,” Dreyer said. “We need advocates for agriculture outside of the industry, and that’s what I aim to be—an agricultural advocate regardless of my chosen career path.”
As state leaders of Texas FFA, Reyes and Dreyer traveled the state to visit and inspire students. Throughout the year, they connected with students, teachers and community leaders. Their visits helped FFA members find their passion and encouraged them to connect with others.
TFB, a corporate sponsor of Texas FFA, provides assistance to the organization through various youth outreach and development programs during the year, as well as a complimentary TFB membership to each FFA chapter in Texas.