Elgin High's ag program, FFA excels

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

FFA'ers (from left) Kimberly Allen, Weston Balch, and Cody Mauck work at the ag department's computer lab. -Staff photo by Taylor

February 20, 2003 -- A visit to the Elgin High School, and its agri-science building, puts the benefits of FFA involvement in the spotlight. After interviewing just four of Elgin FFA's members, it is apparent they see the organization as a positive step towards their futures.

Admist their preparations for National FFA Week (Feb. 15-22), interviews were given by Cody Mauck, senior and president of the local FFA, along with holding the office of vice-president of Area VII; and FFA members Weston Balch, senior and student body president, Kimberly Allen, senior, and Whitney Taylor, junior.

Mauck related, "I started in ag when I was around 9-years-old. I got in Junior FFA. As soon as I got into high school, I started getting into as many leadership activities as they had." His plans include an ag development degree from Texas A&M University (TAMU), and either teaching ag or going on to become a veterinarian.

Balch's stated his reasons for joining FFA as " ... a good training for leadership and other clubs that require leadership as a stable quality." He plans to attend TAMU and major in history. After teaching a few years and obtaining a master's degree in political science, he has his eye on a career in politics.

"I've been involved for four years," Allen said, "and I joined because I wanted to get more out of the experience and get more involved in school." Growing up on a farm, Allen has been around animals all of her life. She shows mostly Simbrah heifers, but enjoys judging horses.

This year she will receive a coveted jacket from the Texas Club Calf Association at the Houston Livestock Show for winning third place in the State with her Simbrahs. The top 10 FFA students earn the jackets, according to points accumulated during the year, for various functions, shows, etc.

Allen hopes to attend Tarlton State University and major in some field of agriculture.

While Taylor still has another year of high school, she says her career will "involve ag."

All of the students agreed the best things about membership in FFA include meeting people from all over the state, and the quality of the people you meet. They cited FFA is the organization to join "when you want to get something accomplished." They feel FFA develops their leadership skills and helps prepare them for life in general. Of course, the scholarships that are available and the travel to various shows and meetings are a big draw, too.

Another feather in the cap for Elgin's FFA chapter is the fact that several of the 77 members are in the National Honor Society, and several others are in the top 10 percent of their classes.