Central Texas youth are awarded Young Farmer scholarships

By MANDY JOHN | Central Texas Edition

August 15, 2002 -- The State Association of Young Farmers of Texas annually sponsors a $2,000 scholarship that is given to one student. According to organizing officials, the student receiving this award participates in a very rigorous report and interview process through the Texas FFA Association Scholarship selection process. While an attempt is made to present this scholarship to a student of a school with an active Young Farmer Chapter, this is not a requirement for this particular scholarship.

Amy Bryant of the Joshua FFA Chapter is the recipient of this year's $2,000 Young Farmer Scholarship.

Bryant served as vice president of her chapter and treasurer of Area 8. Her Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (SAEP) included market swine, beef heifers, and market goats. She also participated in the Dairy and Land Judging contests, as well as, the Public Relations leadership contest. Other activities include participation and responsibilities with educating 4th graders, rabies clinics, and livestock show tours. Bryant will be attending Texas A&M University and majoring in Agricultural Education.

Stephanie Stewardson and Joshua McCoury, both of the San Saba FFA chapter, are two of the three $750 scholarship recipients. In order to receive this scholarship, applicants were required to submit a resume-type application de-scribing their academic achievement, FFA accomplishments, their SAEP, Young Farmers activities and financial need. To be eligible for the scholarships, recipeints must attend a school where there is an active Young Farmer Chapter.

Stewardson graduated from San Saba High School, fourth in her class of 58. She served as the Chapter FFA treasurer, vice president, and president. She also served for one year as treasurer of the San Saba District FFA. Stewardson has been honored with a number of awards including the Star Chapter Greenhand and the Lone Star Farmer Degree and has also been recognized with Diversified Livestock and Beef Production Proficiency Awards. She has participated in FFA Radio Leadership Development Events and Livestock and Horse Career Development Events. Her SAEP consisted of steers, swine, and goat production. She plans to attend Texas A&M University and major in Horticulture.

McCoury was selected as both Star Greenhand and Star Chapter Farmer. He also participated in the Range and Pasture and Livestock Career Development events. His SAEP included experiences while working on a farm. While employed, he gained experience in a variety of farming operations such as plowing, planting crops, mixing feeds, working on equipment, and working with the public through retail sales. In addition to work experiences McCoury raised swine and goats for his SAEP projects. He assisted with chapter Young Farmers activities by working the arena, chutes, concession stand and clean-up efforts at the county rodeo. McCoury plans on attending Howard College in Big Spring and majoring in Agricultural Education to one day become an Agricultural Science and Technology teacher.

Congratulations to these Central Texas students for their hard work!