By Justin Walker
Communications Specialist
Finalists of the Free Enterprise Speech Contest traveled to Washington, D.C., this week to meet with elected officials and witness Congress in session.
The expense-paid trip to Capitol Hill was part of the prize package the students received for being finalists in the contest at Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) Annual Meeting in Corpus Christi last December.
“We need the next generation of leaders to understand constitutional government and the free enterprise system,” Laramie Adams, TFB National Legislative director, said. “This trip to D.C. helps bring the contest full circle for the students and gives them a chance to meet congressional leaders.”
The students on the trip included Emily Baker of Hays County, Cassady Craddock of Grayson County, Keaundra Harris of Houston County, Claire Lee of Hidalgo County, Ethan Lopez of Castro County and Kenya Narvaez of Upshur County.
The finalists were able to meet with U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, as well as U.S. Reps. Chip Roy, Kevin Brady, Vicente Gonzales and Jodey Arrington. The students also met with U.S. Rep. John Ratcliffe’s staff.
The students toured D.C., visiting national monuments, museums, the West Wing of the White House and other D.C. area attractions.
“These students are extremely bright and worked hard on their speeches,” he said. “This trip is an opportunity to reward them for their hard work, allow them to network with each other and learn this summer.”
Each student brought home a different lesson from the trip.
“As a country, we often take many things for granted—like our freedom, opportunities and capitalism,” Baker, the 2018 contest winner, said. “This trip has really opened my eyes to how important it is to have conversations with elected officials about these things.”
After visiting Capitol Hill, Baker wants to take the experience and knowledge back home to help revitalize the miniature show horse industry.
“Knowing how the free market works can really help my business and my family’s passion prosper,” said Baker, who hopes to attend Texas A&M University and study animal science.
Seeing how Congress works was another highlight of the trip, Lopez said.
“It’s been great getting to meet with our representatives and hear their views,” Lopez said. “It’s an amazing opportunity to hear the wise words of those leading our country.”
Lopez, who plans to attend Texas A&M and pursue a degree in engineering, was also inspired by his fellow finalists and their passion for the free enterprise system.
The Free Enterprise Speech Contest is an annual competition open to any young TFB member who has attended the organization’s Youth Leadership Conference.
Through the competition, students are asked to share what they learned at the conference about constitutional government and the free enterprise system.
The contest is an opportunity to earn money for college, gain valuable communication skills and strengthen leadership qualities. High school students take an in-depth look at the U.S. economy and country and communicate those thoughts and their understanding in a speech.
Applications and more information for this year’s Free Enterprise Speech Contest will soon be available online at www.texasfarmbureau.org/youth/youth-opportunities.