Youth Opportunities and Scholarship Information

Mikala Whitaker, Lamb County
"Through my participation in 4-H, One-Act Play and other activities and experiences, I have discovered my passion. I want to continue my education, majoring in Agricultural Communication. My lifelong career goal is to be in front of the camera as a broadcast journalist for a cable channel such as RFD, so I can make a difference for agriculture."


Jayton Jones, Lubbock County
"As a small child, I began playing with Lincoln Logs and Tinker Toys constructing houses, forts and barns. Now, I have developed a love of fabrication and design and took this passion to science fairs beginning in sixth grade. I am interested in the field of Mechanical Engineering and would like to work in an industry that is agriculturally based."

District 3 Scholarship

Kaylie Walker, Baylor County
"I've chosen a degree in Agriculture Economics with an emphasis in Agribusiness Management because of the flexibility and broad range of opportunities within these fields. I want to represent agriculture in an unprecedented way. I hope to raise agricultural awareness through volunteer outreach projects related to agricultural education."

Kymbre Kupatt, Haskell County
"Discovering my love for photography and journalism, along with enjoying my experiences in agricultural science, has led me to pursue an Agricultural Communications degree. I would like a career in print and photo agricultural journalism. I also plan to apply for an internship in Washington, D.C. to provide experience for pursuing a law degree later."

Tucker Brown, Throckmorton County
"Leadership and communication training, along with extracurricular experiences and working on the ranch, has led me to pursue interests in TV and radio broadcasting. I hope to become an effective advocate for agriculture, similar to what one of my role models, Nolan Ryan, has done. I want to carry the banner of agriculture literacy through mainstream media."


Taylor Stockard, Wichita County
"All my life, I have been around animals and raised them for supervised agricultural experience. When an animal needed to be doctored, I was the one to take care of it. Animals have been a major part of my life and have helped in many ways. I chose my career as a veterinarian so I can give back to animals. My life would not be complete without them."

District 4 Scholarship

Bethany Smith, Denton County
"My experiences in the FFA have allowed me to discover the importance of agriculture in our society. I hope to give back to agriculture by advocating its importance in the future just as I do now through my FFA chapter. I experienced first-hand caring for animals' health and tending to their dietary needs. I plan to incorporate my experience into my future career."

Tayler Denman, Grayson County
"I have been raised on a working farm in a rural community—both in California and Texas—my entire life so it is not surprising that the majority of my interest and involvements have been in the agricultural area. My volunteerism with veterinarians resulted in enrichment and true joy of working with animals, and led to my decision to become a veterinarian."


Cole Little, Hill County
"I love all aspects of agriculture, but my passion is farming. Ever since I was able to walk, I have either had a halter in one hand and a show stick in the other or I was climbing into tractors and riding with my dad and local farmers. I have a strong interest in learning new strategies and techniques so that one day I may begin my own custom farming operation."


Mikaela May, Tarrant County
"Anything related to flowers inspires me, so I play to my strength in design. I compete in floriculture competitions and enroll in any floral design, nursery landscape and soil classes that I can. I am currently enrolled in the Texas Master Florist program. Obtaining a degree in horticulture will greatly increase my ability to have a successful career as a florist."

District 5 Scholarship

Zachary Buck, Franklin County
"The most rewarding experiences of my life have involved helping people in their time of need. Combining my love of helping people with my interest in biology and anatomy, I will pursue a career in Radiology. I want to be a radiologist in my hometown so I can use my talents and education to give back to the community that has given so much to me."


Torree Hughes, Lamar County
"Throughout high school, I was involved in FFA and it shaped me into the young man I am today. I became fascinated with the meat industry through the Meats Evaluation Team. As a college student, I plan to work in the meats lab and complete internships. Upon completion of my degree in Animal Science, I wish to seek employment with a packer as a cattle buyer."


Chessie Garrett, Titus County
"In the world of agricultural advertising, I will have the amazing opportunity to sell products to individuals across the country. I understand the world of agriculture and know how important it is to find a niche in a community and sell in high demand. Agricultural Communications and Animal Science degrees will help with the pursuit of my career goal."


Jenny Brewer, Upshur County
"I have chosen a career in dental hygiene because teeth, to me, are one of the first things my eyes look at when I talk to a person. I want to help educate people with poor dental hygiene on the importance of a clean, healthy mouth. I have big dreams of traveling to third world countries to teach underprivileged children and adults proper dental hygiene."

District 6 Scholarship

Mitchell Gregory, Dawson County
"A career as a soil conservationist would present me the best opportunity to pursue my interest in the broad spectrum that agriculture encompasses. Having grown up in a family that has been surrounded by agriculture, it is only natural that I wish to further my education in this field. It is vital to conserve natural resources and I want to better the world of agriculture."


Autumn Posey, Fisher County
"My job at Hargrove Crop Insurance showed me that I really wanted to use my skills to promote agriculture and work with people from the cotton industry. My goal is to become a graphic designer, specializing in marketing and promoting agriculture. Interacting with adults gave me the confidence to go into the workplace and make a real contribution in business."


Banner Kerr, Tom Green County
"My family has ranches in Terrell County and raise sheep, goats and cattle. My father is a professional engineer. Being raised in this atmosphere of agriculture and engineering, I learned how they work together. I plan to get Animal Science and Mechanical Engineering degrees to help my family with farming, ranching and taking care of mineral interests."

Austin Matschek, Tom Green County
"My father is a farmer and has taught me everything he can about the working side of agriculture. Now I have a chance to take my learning to a higher level by attending college and learning more about the business side of agriculture. If I choose to come back and join the family farm, I will have even more knowledge to help run our business."

District 7 Scholarship

Katherine Bean, Comanche County
"I have enjoyed being part of Farm Bureau Day because it is the best feeling to know you are a role model for kids and help them shape their future. I have chosen to get a degree in Business because of the diverse opportunities this career offers. With an MBA, I could work for a number of companies or choose to open my own company."


Kirby Vineyard, Erath County
"Growing up a county Extension agent's son and being around livestock my entire life has been a big influence on my decision to major in Animal Science. 4-H has also been a big impact on my life and working with people and livestock feels natural to me. I want to become a veterinarian or doctor due to my passion for animals and interest in medicine."

Holton Westbrook, Erath County
"Throughout high school, I was exposed to the agriculture industry. One item that held my interest was that new ways to grow and produce food are needed. My career path is to help feed—and find new ways to feed—the people of America. As manager of an agricultural engineering firm, I plan to build a company that encourages meeting these needs."

Orrin Vinson, Shackelford County
"Growing up in the country taught me to love the outdoors and agriculture. Through 4-H, I have been able to teach kids about agriculture and leadership. As an Ag Science teacher, I would continue this teaching and hopefully pass on my love of agriculture to others. I feel teaching future agricultural producers will be a great contribution to the industry."

District 8 Scholarship

Katelyn Heisch, Bell County
"After three mission trips to the Ukraine, I have fallen in love with the culture and the people. I have chosen a degree in Education and plan to move to the Ukraine after college to teach English as a second language. Becoming a teacher was not my first choice but after seeking advice from many people, I decided this career makes perfect sense."

Nathanael Havens, Freestone County
"I plan to pursue a career in Marketing because it allows for creative thought and project management through a practical business standpoint. Moreover, marketing allows me to draw attention and emphasis to needs I recognize in my community, such as agriculture and leadership—things I accomplished through my Eagle Scout project."


Zachary Rother, Lee County
"I have grown up in a rural agricultural community and choosing a career in Veterinary Medicine will allow me to continue to live and thrive in an agricultural environment. This career will allow me to interact and provide aid to farm and ranch animals on a daily basis, while better understanding their production, consumption and interaction in the world."

Trenton Faykus, Williamson County
"I feel that being a pediatrician will allow me to help those in need. Many farm experiences have given me an appreciation of life. Through my nine years in 4-H, numerous volunteering and shadowing experiences, and my passion for science, I know that service to others as a pediatrician would be a great way to contribute to my community."

District 9 Scholarship

Tanner Gunnels, Anderson County
"I have always been interested in environmental sciences that specifically involve our natural resources, including gas, oil and groundwater. I would like to gain a solid background in both structural and environmental geosciences. Securing a job in the oil and gas industry would allow me to help our state and country work toward energy independence."


Clayton Robinson, Liberty County
"I have chosen an engineering career because I grew up around agriculture and have excelled at math and science. I believe this career will combine these interests and allow me to have an impact on the future of the agriculture industry. It is my generation's responsibility to find new and innovative ways to feed more people with less land."

Jodi Cockrell, Shelby County
"Growing up on a small poultry and cattle operation, I feel I have a true passion and understanding of the agricultural industry. My passion and love for this industry has continued to grow through high school agricultural classes and FFA involvement. Because I believe in the future of agriculture, I want to become an Agriculture Science teacher."


Jordan Spivey, Tyler County
"When I was 15, I become very ill with a rare disorder at my age called hyperparathyroidism. I endured many tests, several hospital stays and two surgeries. During this same time, my cousin was diagnosed with Type I diabetes. These two experiences have shown me I want to be part of the medical profession by becoming a nurse practitioner."

District 10 Scholarship

Mikala Tondre, Bexar County
"I have chosen a career as an agricultural engineer because farmers are becoming more involved with environmental issues. I would like to concentrate on helping them reduce their carbon footprint and become better stewards of the land as they strive to be environmentally and socially conscious food producers. I want to find solutions."

Alexandra Gustafson, Blanco County
"My participation on leadership and agricultural teams led me to realize the vast importance and diversity of the field of agriculture. I also noticed that farmers and ranchers are a close-knit family willing to work together. Because of this, I want to remain active in agriculture and my community and have chosen a career in Nutritional Science."

Kellam Nabers, Blanco County
"I chose a major in Agriculture Communications because I want to combine my personal communications skills and my love for agriculture. Being part of FFA, I enjoyed being involved with our community while educating the general public about agriculture. I want to use my creative abilities in the field of advertising when I graduate."


Colin Graff, Medina County
"My father is a fifth generation farmer and rancher. From the time I could walk, I have wanted to be a farmer. By continuing with my family's rich farming heritage, it is my desire to be a sixth generation farmer and rancher. My chosen major in Agronomy and Crop Sciences will enhance my education of modern farming practices and soil and plant sciences."

District 11 Scholarship

Robert Clever, Brazos County
"Ever since I was a young boy, I have been infatuated with airplanes, rockets and space exploration. My dream is and has always been to expand on my passion with a career in the Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering field. I feel it is my generation's responsibility to ensure that space exploration does not get swept away with government budget and program cuts."

Kallie Fuchs, Colorado County
"I am very much a people-person and love to learn and take on new challenges. Besides the church nursery, I am a counselor for three show cattle camps and speak with kids at Ag Days and the Elementary Rodeo Day, among others. I plan to become a pediatrician. Pediatrics combines my love for children with my passion for learning and serving my community."


Clayton Langhoff, Fayette County
"I hope to have my own business and have the opportunity to help others. One particular influence that pointed me in the direction of physical therapy was watching my grandmother struggle for years due to complications from a stroke. I would like to return to the small town foundation my life was built on and carry on my ranching heritage, as well."


Abby Altom, Walker County
"My interest in veterinary medicine was sparked by visits to Abilene Christian University and Texas A&M University. When we toured the Veterinary School at A&M, I saw some of the techniques and decided I wanted to be a part of that. With an Ag Business degree, I want to do everything I can to help farmers and ranchers keep the agriculture tradition alive."

District 12 Scholarship

Melanie Wilhelm, Caldwell County
"The fact that I have been in FFA for four years has taught me how essential agriculture is to our society and has made me realize that I want to pursue a degree in Biological and Agricultural Engineering. Maintaining the Lockhart Freshman Campus garden showed me about growing and maintaining crops while benefiting local individuals in need."

Kelly Woytkewicz, Caldwell County
"I have always enjoyed reading and writing. I believe that is why I am skilled in those areas, as expressed in my college entrance exam scores—especially in sections pertaining to editing. Editing has always come easily to me. As a result, I plan to earn a degree in English and become an editor."

Kimberly Rennspies, Guadalupe County
"Growing up in a rural area, my passion is in the agricultural field. Several of my family were career farmers and some still earn their living on the farm. I enjoy interacting with people and my 10 years of 4-H experience and four years of participating on FFA teams sealed my fate in determining that I wanted to go into Agricultural Sales and Marketing."


Jalynn Muenich, Victoria County
"Many people struggle with what they want to be when they grow up but I never did. I always wanted to be a veterinarian. My family has always had livestock in some sort or fashion. There was always some animal needing medical attention and I was always in the middle of things. Several 4-H projects made me want to pursue this career even more."

District 13 Scholarship

Krystyn Krafka, Cameron County
"Biology and chemistry hold a particular interest for me. That, along with participation in the Envirothon Club with its focus on soil science and land use, aquatic ecology, forestry and wildlife, laid a strong foundation for a career in natural sciences. Being an environmental scientist would give me a chance to make a difference and enjoy my passion."


Coleton Teplicek, Hidalgo County
"Growing up on a farm has prepared me to become a Mechanical Engineer because I have seen how things work in real life. Farmwork is about solving millions of problems guaranteed to happen soon or later. I've seen how equipment works and goes together and hope to use this experience, and a good education, to become a successful engineer. "


Klarissa Cantu, Hidalgo County
"I have chosen a career in Agribusiness and, upon graduation, want to manage my own ranch. I also want to give back to the community by starting an organization that assists underprivileged kids in having a chance to be in 4-H and having a project. 4-H is a wonderful organization and I believe every kid should have the opportunity to be a part of it."


Savannah Chappell, Willacy County
"When I was a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. Instead of tea parties, I gathered my stuffed animals and played vet. My many household pets, all my different animal projects through FFA and 4-H and volunteering at a local animal hospital led to my obvious choice of holding on to my dream. I am looking forward to accomplishing it."

Young Farmer and Rancher

District 1
Danae Parman, Hartley County
"I grew up in an agricultural environment and began riding horses at a very young age. My dad being a cowboy and rancher has been my biggest influence in my desire to study in the Equine Industry program. My mom's influence taught me the importance of being a good financial manager, and as my 4-H leader, she taught me about deadlines."

District 2
Bryce Patton, Floyd County
"Agriculture has always been a part of my life. I remember going with my dad to check water and cattle. As I got older, I took a more active part by driving a tractor and running a module builder. Through my farm background and working with my animals in 4-H and FFA, I developed a true love of agriculture. A career in Animal business will truly suit me."

District 3
Kymbre Kupatt, Haskell County
"Discovering my love for photography and journalism, along with enjoying my experiences in agricultural science, has led me to pursue an Agricultural Communications degree. I would like a career in print and photo agricultural journalism. I also plan to apply for an internship in Washington, D.C. to provide experience for pursuing a law degree later."

District 4
Mikaela May, Tarrant County
"Anything related to flowers inspires me, so I play to my strength in design. I compete in floriculture competitions and enroll in any floral design, nursery landscape and soil classes that I can. I am currently enrolled in the Texas Master Florist program. Obtaining a degree in horticulture will greatly increase my ability to have a successful career as a florist."

District 5
Ryan McCoin, Lamar County
"I enjoy working with my dad and granddad—plowing the fields, planting crops, watching them grow, harvesting and getting ready for another year. Having a love of agriculture is something you are born with and I feel fortunate to be blessed with the love of something so crucial to human life. I look forward to farming and ranching in Lamar County."

District 6
Mitchell Gregory, Dawson County
"A career as a soil conservationist would present me the best opportunity to pursue my interest in the broad spectrum that agriculture encompasses. Having grown up in a family that has been surrounded by agriculture, it is only natural that I wish to further my education in this field. It is vital to conserve natural resources and I want to better the world of agriculture."


District 7
Scotta Faulkenberry, Erath County
"Agriculture has been a way of life for my family for seven generations of Texans. Sustaining life begins and ends with agriculture. I believe my fit after I obtain my college degrees will be as a leader in the agriculture food industry. I plan to produce the safest and most nutritional food products for consumption by our world's growing population."

District 8
Lindsey Loehr, Burleson County
"Growing up on a farm and having been around farming my entire life, I want a career in agricultural law. I would like to protect and represent the agricultural community in my law career. I want a challenging and rewarding career and know this will fit those characteristics. I look forward to helping and representing this area due to my roots in this field."

District 9
Hollie Colwell, Nacogdoches County
"I have participated in various leadership roles in FFA throughout high school. I would like to become a veterinarian because I want to put my love of all animals to use. I want to save all animals that I can. I want to use the brain that God gave me to use and save animals, as well as give back to a community that gave me so much."

District 10
Kelsi Schmidt, Gillespie County
"My desire to become a veterinarian was influenced by my deep love for animals and growing up on a farm and ranch. Having a lot of animals, there was always something that needed vaccinating or doctoring. Four close family friends who are veterinarians also gave me the opportunity to watch different procedures and learn about medications."

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District 11
Kallie Fuchs, Colorado County
"I am very much a people-person and love to learn and take on new challenges. Besides the church nursery, I am a counselor for three show cattle camps and speak with kids at Ag Days and the Elementary Rodeo Day, among others. I plan to become a pediatrician. Pediatrics combines my love for children with my passion for learning and serving my community."


District 12
Jalynn Muenich, Victoria County
"Many people struggle with what they want to be when they grow up but I never did. I always wanted to be a veterinarian. My family has always had livestock in some sort or fashion. There was always some animal needing medical attention and I was always in the middle of things. Several 4-H projects made me want to pursue this career even more."

District 13
Ariana Barajas, San Patricio County
"All my life I have been around livestock because of my involvement in 4-H and FFA. I am happiest when working with animal projects and treating them when they become ill. I am pursuing a degree in Animal Science and see myself as a self-driven person and ready to learn as much as possible. With the combination of the two, I know I can become a veterinarian."

Young Farmer and Rancher for Enrolled College

District 1
Hattie Webb, Gray County
"Through previous research and experience with both feedlot and dairy cattle, I have grown extremely passionate towards bettering the U.S. food industry through scientific research and discovery. I have started my pursuit for my PhD, which I hope will aid me in becoming a scientific leader in the food safety industry."

District 8
Cody Sultenfuss, Bell County
"Being the son of a rancher, I have been involved with cattle and agriculture all my life and it is what I love to do. In accordance with my passion, I have chosen Bovine Reproductive Physiology in hopes to be able to help farmers and ranchers with improving the quality of their breeding programs and the quality of cattle produced."

District 10
Lauren Greaves, Hays County
"I want to work managing communications in the agriculture industry. I have chosen this career path because it is a perfect fit for my personality. With my horse background, love of communications and inate need for efficiency and attention to detail, a job in this field is ideal for me. A Master's degree would help me get agriculture the recognition it deserves."