culture

Award Winners 'Beryl' Into Houston to Receive $1.4M in Rodeo Scholarships

Award Winners 'Beryl' Into Houston to Receive $1.4M in Rodeo Scholarships

THE WRATH OF Hurricane Beryl couldn’t stop the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo from presenting 70 students, representing 57 Future Farmers of America chapters from across Texas, with $1.4 million in scholarships to a college of their choice. Scholarships were awarded at last week’s 96th annual Texas FFA State Convention which, amazingly, was held July 8-12 in the George R. Brown Convention Center for the first time in 20 years. The scholarship awards are part of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s $27.3 million dollar commitment this year to support Texas youth and statewide educational programs.

“The tradition of awarding Texas FFA scholarships has been the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s longest-standing educational commitment,” said Chris Boleman, president and CEO of the Rodeo in a statement. “The passionate link between the Rodeo and FFA for livestock and agriculture makes these scholarships even more special.”

Despite delays and closures caused by Hurricane Beryl, including the loss of power in George R. Brown on the first day of the convention, FFA members from all across Texas managed to attend, and even visit some parts of the city. On Monday, attendees took part in workshops in the dark and by the light of cell phone cameras, and throughout the week, both students and adults used TikTok to share their experiences.

FFA is a student-led leadership development organization for students of agricultural education. Since its establishment in 1929, the Texas FFA Association has provided students through its agricultural science curriculum classroom learning and hands-on agricultural projects, while developing their potential for leadership, personal growth, and career success.

And which colleges do these young scholars plan to attend? Among the 70 FFA scholarship recipients, Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, West Texas A&M University and Sam Houston State University are the top four choices. The top four majors include Animal Science, Agricultural Business, Agricultural Communications and Pre-Veterinary Medicine.

Related Articles Around the Web
People + Places
promoted

Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

Al Torres
Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.

Keep Reading Show less
music

HGO's First-Ever 'Family Day' Features a Production of 'Cinderella' and More!

Photo by Lynn Lane

HOUSTON GRAND OPERA’S second fall repertoire production is Gioachino Rossini’s Cinderella. The colorful, commedia dell'arte-inspired production opens Friday, Oct. 25, and stars Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard — a breathtaking brunette beauty, even when doused in soot — in bel canto role of Angelina, known to her mean step-sisters as “Cenerentola.”

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment
music

Halloweekend Vibes! Organist Brett Miller Brings Silent-Film Double-Feature to Life at Jones Hall

BRETT MILLER WAS just 10 years old when his parents took him to a screening of the 1925 silent film, The Phantom of the Opera, starring Lon Chaney as “The Phantom” of the Paris Opera House, with an accompanying soundtrack played live by an organist. The film contains one of the most famous “reveals” on celluloid (We won’t give it away!) and is all the more shocking when accompanied by live music played on the Phantom’s favorite instrument.

Keep Reading Show less