TJC ag students gain TJCAA positions, earn honors with scholarship money

By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition

May 29, 2003 -- Fourteen Tyler Junior College (TJC) agriculture students recently traveled to Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos to attend the Texas Junior College Agriculture Conference. While there, the students competed in several competitions, coming away with several wins including three state junior college offices.

Kacy Coulter, Winona, will lead the Texas Junior College Agricultural Association (TJCAA) after becoming the president-elect. She will be joined by Haley Praytor, Lindale, who won the vice-president seat; and Brian Cromeens, Mineral Wells, who was elected reporter. TJC Agriculture Instructor Randy Tidwell was appointed the state advisor for the officer team.

At the event, Katie Synder, Jacksonville, was presented with the TJCAA's highest honor, the Outstanding Junior College Ag Student in Texas Award. The $5,000 scholarship will help Synder (who plans to attend Tarleton State University in Stephenville and major in Agricultural Education and Development) with college expenses.

"I am proud of the hard work and dedication that the students of the TJCAA have displayed in the outstanding accomplishments at the conference. As state advisor, and on behalf of the TJCAA officer team, I am looking forward to many more accomplishments, successes, and a great year," said Tidwell.

Students placing in the event's competitions were: James Atteberry, first, Agricultural Mechanics; Troy Shane Vance, second, Wildlife Management; Elida Trejo, third, Horticulture; Marcelo Guijarro, fourth, Horticulture; Brian Cromeens, fourth, Prepared Public Speaking; and Melissa Albright, sixth, Prepared Public Speaking.

Other participants were Ben McDow, Bobby Johnson, Jay McGough, Laura Caldwell, and Josh Dildine.

"Though this was the only second year Tyler has participated in the competitions at the TJCAA conference. TJC left its mark this year by placing in the competitions and securing positions on the state officers team. TJC was also selected as the third highest-ranking Junior College Agriculture Department in the State of Texas," according to Tidwell.