LOCAL BUSINESS

Happy Valen-Wine's

by Camy Reynolds photos by Brandi Lacey courtesy of the Jarrell Chamber of Commerce

Celebration, fun, and laughter was the agenda for all who attended the Jarrell Chamber ValenWine’s Gala. The Jarrell Chamber of Commerce truly outdid themselves hosting this lively and classy event to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The My Jarrell team had a wonderful time and enjoyed celebrating the businesses and people in our community who took home awards. Our very own Sales and Marketing Associate, Jenny Campbell (far right), was the Heads and Tails Champion.

Congratulations to the 2021 Award Winners:

Emerging Business of the Year: Love at First Bite

Business of the Year: The Granary

Commercial Services: Kids' Zone

Health Services: Healthy Kids Running Series

Volunteer of the Year: Jake Isbell

EDUCATION NOT JUST FOR FARMERS

ANY MORE by Ann Marie Kennon and Camy Reynolds

photos courtesy Jarrell FFA Ag Mech

Mark Arnold, Ty Chase and Matthew Craft with their trailer. They placed 1st in their division and took home Grand Champion and Best in Show

Most Texans are familiar with the FFA as Future Farmers of America. In 1988, the group re-branded as the National FFA Organization and has endeavored to include all students interested in different aspects of agriculture education beyond farming. The change was intended to meet the challenges of feeding a growing population that involve more than planting and raising livestock. It is also a boon for students who did not grow up on a farm or do not wish to pursue farming as a career but wish to acquire knowledge and experience for career and vocation success.

Member programs include agriscience, mechanics, skilled craftsmanship, and leadership. Local program advisors and directors agree their mission is to teach life skills and leadership first, then advocacy for the agricultural industry, while with a sub-focus on science and technology. My Jarrell spoke with Jarrell FFA Advisor Wes McCarley about his mission to support his students. How is FFA different today from the tradition of livestock management?

The Jarrell FFA is a very diverse organization that is focused on leadership development and student achievement. Members of the Jarrell FFA have opportunities to gain skills in a wide variety of areas of employment. Our members can learn about floral design, horticulture, wildlife, veterinarian skills, as well as metal fabrication and welding. The umbrella of agriculture is very broad and diverse. There is a place for everyone in the Jarrell FFA/ Jarrell Ag Department What are your goals for yourself and your students?

My personal mission as an FFA advisor is to make small doors bigger. I totally stole that from Aaron Alejandro, the Executive Director

of the Texas FFA Foundation, but I truly feel it is every teacher’s responsibility to introduce new opportunities to students so they can achieve great things. The medium I use is metal and steel. Hopefully, the end result is productive citizens who are not afraid of hard work, and can think for themselves.

What kinds of incentives are there in the program competitions?

The Best-of-Show in each Division of the Williamson County Youth Fair is eligible for the premium sale at the Williamson County Livestock Show Sale. Only one project in each Division makes the sale and this is a pretty big deal considering the number of projects entered each year. If students from Jarrell FFA are fortunate enough to make the sale, they receive all of the money. How do you see the program impacting and encouraging the students?

Jarrell’s Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources program has a huge influence on students. As an instructor of the Applied Agriculture Engineering portion of this program, I have seen students who were on the verge of tears—afraid of welding and using an oxygen/ fuel torch. They face these challenges, and learn how to use these tools. More importantly, they learn how to overcome their fears, and realize they are stronger than they thought, which is a huge confidence booster. Many of my students will never go into the welding industry, but they will forever take this confidence with them. How can the community and parents help and support FFA?

Community and parent support can come in many different ways. Follow us on our social media. Anyone with expertise in the welding and fabrication field is welcome to visit, speak to our students, and share knowledge. We are always looking for outside sources for commission and we would love to receive funds for projects. Readers can contact us if they have projects they'd like us to build. �Facebook/JarrellFFA � Facebook / JarrellAgMech �Facebook/Jarrell-FFA-Booster-Club � Instagram / JarrellFFA

JARRELL SUCCESS

Facing page:

• Dominic Martinez, Tucker Adkins and Jayson Price (not pictured) received second for their picnic pit. • Alyssa Nehring and Morgen Peach with their 4th place fire pit.

This page, from top:

• Emerson Kirby, Candon Bruner and Tyler DeWitte, Jr. won their division with a direct heat cooker. • Kelly Kazsuk and Josie Hibler were first place in their division with their pellet trap. • Sydni Garza and Jenna Danek (not pictured) built this 3rd place picnic table.