Another successful Ag Youth banquet season has come and gone! This year had the highest number of applicants since the program’s inception in 2016. The quality of students and advisors were top-tier! AgTexas was proud to donate nearly $52,000 in scholarships and award money to support the future of agriculture!
This banquet season was particularly special as we unveiled an expansion of our Ag Youth Program called the Ag Youth Leader of the Year Award. This award is nomination-based and specific to club leaders, extension agents, advisors, ag teachers, or anyone who has dedicated much of their life to growing the next generation of agriculturalists. We honored one individual in each of our three geographical regions. These honorees were chosen based on the impact they had on current and former students and parents, specific career achievements, and number of nominations. Each winner received a plaque, recognition at their corresponding Ag Youth Banquet, and $1,000 individually as well as a matching donation of $1,000 to their 4-H Club or FFA Chapter.
Our Ag Youth Leader of The Year recipients for the 2023-2024 cycle are Rebecca McEndree – Shallowater FFA Advisor, Savannah Bowers – Stephenville FFA Advisor, and Jeff Klose – Canyon FFA Advisor. It was a privilege to meet and honor them at our banquets this year. Here is a little bit about each honoree:
Rebecca McEndree
Rebecca is in her 14th year of teaching with her last five years being spent serving as an ag mechanics instructor at Shallowater ISD. She has won the Sullivan’s Supply “Best of The Barn” award along with coaching several top placing career and leadership development event (CDE and LDE) teams and individuals. She has been instrumental in leading her students to success, and encouraging them to strive for excellence. Here is a list of her top accolades:
♦ National Champion Ag Issues Team
♦ National Champion Horse Judging Team
♦ State Champion Ag Issues Team
♦ State Champion Horse Judging Team
♦ Two-time Grand Champion San Antonio Ag Mech Marketplace
♦ Reserve Grand Champion San Antonio Ag Mech Marketplace
♦ Four State Qualifying Dairy Cattle Teams Placing in top 5
♦ Three National Qualifying Dairy Cattle Teams
♦ 2nd Place State Public Relations Team
♦ Several State Speaking Finalists
♦ Multiple State Qualifying Judging Teams
♦ Multiple Placing Barrows and Gilts at Major Stock Shows
Becca has done all of this while helping her students secure over $1 million in scholarships over the past 14 years. When asked to speak about her career, she humbly said her greatest accomplishments go beyond buckles and banners. She is most proud of the network of kids willing to jump in and help at any time and their genuine care and concern for those around them. Congratulations, Becca!
Savannah Bowers
Savannah is in her seventh year of teaching, all of which have been spent serving as an ag teacher at Stephenville High School. Ms. Bowers focuses not only on her students’ current FFA careers, but also their endeavors after graduation. With her guidance, a total of half a million dollars in scholarship money has been earned by her students over the past seveyears. Additionally, she has accumulated several CDE and LDE accolades which are listed below:
♦ Several Students Served as Officers at the Local, District, Area, and State Levels
♦ Coached 69 State Champion Teams/Individuals
♦ Coached 36 National Top 3 Finalists
♦ Coached 12 National Champion Teams/Individuals
♦ Had Several Students Recognized as Ford Leadership Scholars
♦ Guided/Mentored Countless Successful SAE Projects
When asked what she is most proud of, Savannah responded with, “...helping our FFA members grow into confident, efficient, and competent individuals who can enter any situation, speak well, problem solve, and achieve their goals.” She has gone the extra-mile for her students and we are proud to recognize her. Congratulations, Savannah!
Jeff Klose
Jeff Klose is in his 21st year of teaching with his last 13 years being spent as one of the Canyon ISD FFA advisors. Jeff started his career at Lubbock-Cooper High School for five years and then transitioned to become Bridgeport’s FFA advisor for three years until he made the move with his family to Canyon. Mr. Klose is very family-oriented which has spilled over into his successful career of nurturing his second family – the future generation of agriculturists. His dedication to FFA has led to several accomplishments over the years that are listed below:
♦ Coached 78 State Championship Teams/Individuals
♦ Coached Several National Qualifying Teams/Individuals
♦ Has Helped Canyon FFA Become One of The Most Active/Successful Chapters in Texas
♦ Refines Students’ Natural Abilities in Public Speaking and Leadership
According to the nominations received, Jeff has made an impact on the lives of many current and former students ranging from 14 years old to some in their mid 30s. This is evident in his response to being asked what he is most proud of. Mr. Klose stated, he takes pride in watching the hard work of students pay off in competitions, but above all, he enjoys witnessing his students' successes and accomplishments after high school. Beyond his career, he is thankful for his family that supports his passion for teaching the youth of agriculture. Congratulations, Jeff!
The Ag Youth program is something AgTexas holds near and dear. We are so thankful for all the support we’ve received internally and externally to continue our mission of serving tomorrow’s agriculture, today. This banquet season will be hard to beat, but we are excited for what the future holds! Please be on the lookout this fall to apply for the Ag Youth of the Month Program, the Distinguished Alumni Program, and nomination opportunities for the Ag Youth Leader of the Year Award. For more information please visit our Website → News & Updates → Ag Youth of the Month.
Ag Always,
Hadley Chote
