Patrick one of 10 Texas FFA Association students chosen to receive academic scholarship
From Staff Reports
Members of the Texas FFA Association’s Ford Leadership Scholars Program are beginning their community service projects and apprentices for the school year, including Tanner Patrick of Barry’s Frost chapter. Through the Texas FFA Foundation and Texas FFA Association’s partnership with Ford Motor Company and Texas Ford Dealers, outstanding juniors heading into their senior year are chosen for the hands-on leadership program.
“The number of students invested in implementing change through the Ford Leadership Scholar program never fails to impress,” said Jennifer Jackson, Texas FFA Association executive director. “While only 10 students are selected to serve as leaders, all of those who apply all play an important role in shaping a successful future for their communities.”
Patrick applied for the leadership program to learn more about servant leadership and the various ways to provide assistance within his chapter, school, and community. Service is vital to the FFA as is reflected in the last line of the organization’s motto, “Living to Serve”. Patrick believes servant leadership is a foundational value for FFA members, and it is a privilege to exert an influence in one’s home and community. He feels strongly that we should strive to be examples of the “Golden Rule” of treating others how we may one day need to be treated.
To be honored as a Ford Leadership Scholar is a true feat. More than 50 Texas FFA members apply annually and are put through a rigorous interview process to pinpoint students who truly embody the FFA’s “Living to Serve” mission. Students like Patrick complete an online application, take an exam around assigned leadership text, conduct a telephone interview and are a part of a day-long behavioral interview as well.
What Does the Ford Leadership Scholars Program Entail?
The Ford Leadership Scholars program provides an extensive development experience for students through a week-long training seminar, relationship with their mentor, and the exposure they will have to key business and nationally recognized industry leaders. During this time, students complete a year-long community service project to fill a need they see within their city from building greenhouses at their school to jumpstart agriculture education to hosting life skill classes for other teens and young adults. Chosen students also receive a $1,000 academic scholarship to support their education.
The 10 selected students all met the criteria of exemplifying six key characteristics of leadership: action, relationships, vision, character, awareness and continuous improvement. The next class of Ford Leadership Scholars will be chosen in the spring of 2023.
About The Texas FFA Association
The Texas FFA is a student organization for future leaders who use scientific, agricultural learning to solve real-world problems. Founded in 1929, today the organization is the nation’s largest state FFA association with over 156,363 members strong and facilitates more than $2.3 million in scholarships every year. Texas FFA gives students the opportunity to apply practical classroom knowledge to real-world experiences through local, state, and national competitions. For more information, please visit www.texasffa.org.
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