April 2015 by Texas Ag Ed

NEWS A Texas Team Ag Ed Publication

April 2015

The Way I See It Jack Winterrowd, Cedar Park

When I was a child I spent my summers with my father’s parents on their farm near Thrall, Texas. I grew up helping my grandfather with anything and everything that had to be done on the farm. On the days when I would be in the way or he didn’t need my help, I would help my grandmother. She was selfsufficient and very independent and I learned so much from her. One of her favorite past-times was gardening. Her vegetable garden was huge and provided all kinds of produce for the family. A special corner of the garden was always dedicated to growing flowers and she had flower beds all around the house. It became my job to work in the garden and flower beds. Yes, I was stoop labor, long before I knew what it was! I feel certain that is where I obtained my interest in gardening and flowers because my mother had a brown thumb, except that she could grow amazing African Violets. Yeah, go figure on that one. When I began teaching (back when dinosaurs roamed the earth) there were no classes in floral design at the high school level. There was a VEH horticulture class that was taught to special education students but it was very limited state-wide. Quite a contrast from today where floral design is the second largest ag class population. I know that the fine arts credit is the main cause of that fact, but we can all agree that the popularity of the course has greatly helped our program. I remember the first time that I

taught some floral design lessons. I incorporated a couple of simple designs into my horticulture class at Lampasas High School and those lessons were an instant hit. I invited the local florists into my classroom and let them demonstrate more complex designs. After a couple years of doing that I decided that I could do it myself. And guess what? I discovered that I really liked it and I was pretty good at it too! “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” - Romans 12:6-8 I don’t’ really understand why God granted me the gift of being able to design flowers but I am so thankful that he did. That gift is my stress reliever and my right brain adventure. It wasn’t long after I was hired on at Cedar Park High School that my principal and CTE Director asked if I could teach floral design. My answer? “Heck yeah! I want to do it!” And the rest is history. It has been my honor and privilege to teach many workshops at many various events, including the VATAT Conference. My officer position the past couple years has limited my participation in this aspect of my career and I genuinely miss it. “If you set goals and go after them with all the determination you

can muster, your gifts will take you places that will amaze you.” - Les Brown I set a goal of becoming a Texas Master Florist soon after I completed my first Benz School of Floral Design course. It was a challenging goal but I am proud to say that I did it and it has helped me become a better teacher and a better designer. I am able to tell my students of my experiences and show them pictures of the weddings, special events and bereavement flowers that I have done over the past 15 years. I am certain that I have been able to influence some of them to pursue their gift after high school graduation. Several of them are currently working in the floral industry or are in college majoring

Continue on page 2

VATAT News

The Way I See It

Managing the Whirlwind

Continued

Barney McClure, VATAT Executive Director

in horticulture. They are living their dream job because of their exposure to the possibilities of their gifts. “The old and honorable idea of ‘vocation’ is simply that we each are called, by God, or by our gifts, or by our preference, to a kind of good work for which we are particularly fitted.” - Wendell Berry I am certain that teaching is a calling. It is my ‘vocation’. I had no definite plans to become a teacher until I began my student teaching experience. By the end of that fall semester in 1978, I knew that I wanted to teach and up until that point, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do when “I grew up.” Looking back over all the years of my professional life, it is easy to see that teaching is my gift. I can say this without a doubt because I held other jobs and they just didn’t satisfy that itch the way that teaching has done for me. Which leads me to my next point. “What you are is God’s gift to you, what you become is your gift to God.” - Hans Urs von Balthasar It is typically in the month of April that some teachers begin to question what they are doing and where they are doing it. Ag teachers are starting to pull back out of hyperdrive mode of the past several months and gear up for awards, record books, elections and banquets. Many will consider their options and I expect that some will question their calling to teach. For some, the decisions they make will affect many people. I can recall announcing my plans to move to a different job in each of the schools where I taught prior to my current job. There were some people who were surprised, some who were upset, some who were sad and some that were happy! In both instances, I left behind students and adults that I cared for deeply. That is one of the great things of being an ag teacher. We make connections with so many people when we do our jobs effectively and properly. It is those connections that I treasure the most and they are what have kept me in this honorable profession. “The greatest gift that you can give to others is the gift of unconditional love and acceptance.” - Brian Tracy I challenge you to work diligently to discover your God-given gifts. For me, a big one is floral design. I am not ashamed to say that I love working with flowers but more importantly, I genuinely enjoy sharing that passion with my students. I challenge you to recognize, accept and embrace your gifts so that you will be the teacher that your students deserve. And that’s the way I see it…

Agriculture teachers are masters at multi-tasking; juggling a dozen different jobs at the same time. The spring semester is usually the toughest time for this. Stock shows to attend, CDE teams to coach, award and scholarship applications to monitor and approve, banquets to plan and conduct, classes to teach, plans to be made for next year, animal projects to locate, and a dozen other tasks to be completed. Just read the job descriptions posted on our website. This is often quite intimidating due to the varied skills listed as job requirements. I half expect to find listings asking applicants to be faster than a speeding bullet or more powerful than a locomotive like the old Superman TV show intro. The truth is that we run the danger of being a slave to the “immediate,” or the things that just have to be done by deadline. Every job, including mine, has this component. You have to get the things done to keep the doors open for business and provide the services expected. We can often fill the day with just these activities. It takes some special effort to carve out some time each week to think strategically or examine that 20,000 foot view of what we do. The most successful managers are ones that spend some time to regularly examine the daily routine of what they and their employees do each day. Are we working hard at working hard? Do we let others dictate how we spend our day? Do we take on more than we should? If the answer to these questions is yes, the whirlwind is managing you. If each of us would take some time each week to examine what we are doing and why, both in our professional and personal lives, it could make our lives easier, more efficient, and allow us to manage the whirlwind that constantly surrounds us.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

VATAT................................................................1 - 6 Texas FFA...........................................................7 Foundation....................................................10 - 11 Texas FFA Alumni...........................................12 Young Farmers...........................................14 - 15 2

Are You Retiring This Year? Karen Jones, VATAT Membership Coordinator I am requesting that you please contact the VATAT office if you are retiring or if you know of someone who is retiring after this school year. We are continuously striving to keep our records accurate and would also like to honor members who are retiring from teaching agriculture science. Also, this year all VATAT tenure will be posted online at VATAT.org. Please visit our website by May 29, 2015 to confirm you are on the correct list. If your name is not listed under the right category please contact me as soon as possible at (512) 472-3128 or Karen@VATAT.org. Thank you for your help with this matter.

Is Your Tenure Correct? Check Your VATAT.org Account

VATAT News

VATAT Welcomes Spring Intern

VATAT Award Applications Are Online Now

Ashley Dunkerley, Communications Coordinator

Ryan Prindle of Cedar Park, Texas, recently joined the VATAT as the spring intern and will play an integral role at the annual VATAT Professional Development Conference and the 87th annual Texas FFA State Convention. Currently, Ryan is serving as a Texas FFA State Officer, but following his year of service, he will be attending Oklahoma State University where he will be studying agribusiness and agriculture communications. Being an active FFA member, he found himself immersed in FFA and agriculture education. Over the years he participated in many leadership development events and career development events. Furthermore, Ryan’s passion for the FFA and agriculture education flourished into various leadership roles that lead to becoming a Texas FFA State Officer. FFA and agricultural education provide premier leadership opportunities, experiential learning and promote academic excellence through a rigorous curriculum combined with practical application and developing relationships. As the spring intern, Prindle will assist VATAT and Texas FFA staff members coordinating activities for the convention, which attracts more than 12,000 FFA members and guests, as well as the teacher’s conference, which more than 1,500 agricultural educators attend. “I have always seen things from a FFA member’s point of view” Prindle said, “but now I have a stronger understanding of the love and support that ag teachers have for their students, their peers, and ag education as a whole. This opportunity has truly been eye opening and I look forward to giving back to an organization that has given me so much.”

The VATAT awards recognize members and supporters who have shown outstanding support to Texas agriculture science and FFA programs. This year’s award applications and procedures are available at VATAT.org. I encourage everyone to apply or nominate a deserving individual. Each area is responsible for selecting its VATAT Award recipients and giving the winning nomination forms to the VATAT area executive committee member at state degree check. The executive committee member is responsible for sending the area award winning nomination forms to the VATAT Office. The forms, along with supporting materials, should be emailed to Ashley@vatat.org or faxed to (512) 472-0555. The 2015 Award Categories: • Outstanding School Administrator • Outstanding Cooperation Award • Outstanding Newspaper • Outstanding Radio Station • Outstanding Television Station • Teacher’s Media Award • Texas Turn the Key • Ideas Unlimited • Teacher Mentor Award • 30-Minute Club

DON’T FORGET TO REGISTER FOR CONFERENCE

ONLINE NOW

VATAT News

Cameron Park Zoo Journey through the harsh landscape of the African Sahara, or take a stroll through the forests of deep East Asia with your family at this magnificent 50-Acre Zoo! The Cameron Park Zoo is consistently among the Top 10 Zoos in Texas and is home to over 40 exhibits including the extremely rare Black Lemur Exhibit which is only in 14 zoos worldwide.

Dr. Pepper Museum Here you and your family can immerse yourself in all things Dr. Pepper. Travel through time and watch the drink that all Texans know and love grow into the unmistakable brand it is today.

Hawaiian Falls Water Park Spend the day relaxing by the pool with your family. Being one of the largest water parks in Central Texas, there is no shortage of things to do here. Race down Pineapple Express, or attempt to cross Splash water reef, with an endless supply of things to do, you and your family will never be bored.

Waco Mammoth Site Experience a real-life archeological dig with your family. Learn about the Ice Age while you tour a dig facility with over 6 mammoths dated to be around 65 thousand- 1 million years old. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an interesting experience and great fun for the whole family.

VATAT News

Texas Sports Hall of Fame Take your family to learn about Texas athletes, coaches and others who consistently distinguished themselves on and off the field.

Texas Rangers Hall of Fame Learn about some of Texasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; greatest heroes with your family. Take a glimpse at the lives of 30 Texas Rangers, and discover the sacrifices they made to serve the people of Texas.

Homestead Heritage Crafts Village Take a day to tour a 510-acre homestead farm. Watch men and women sew, build and create handcrafted tools, furniture and clothes.

ARABIANS LTD HORSE FARM TOUR Explore the largest, and most successful Egyptian Arabian Horse farm in the United States right here in Waco, TX. Their facility covers over 140 acres that includes a show barn,stallion barn, and a world class training facility.

Geared Canoe-Kayak Rental Take a day to kayak or canoe around the beautiful waters surrounding the city of Waco.

VATAT News

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VATAT News

UPDATE 2015 Texas FFA Convention Update Tom Maynard, Executive Director The 87th Texas FFA State Convention will be held in Corpus Christi, Texas July 13-17, 2015.

Housing As we have stated previously, you will probably experience sticker shock when you see the housing prices. There has been an uptick in tourism in the Corpus Christi area, which, along with the oil and gas boom, has driven up South Texas hotel prices. It is possible that falling oil prices and reduced drilling may give us some relief before July. It is a very fluid situation. You are responsible for contacting the hotels directly and asking for the Texas FFA Convention Rate. If you have any questions or problems with a hotel, please contact Stacey Jones, staceyltcp@ aol.com. Please read the housing instructions carefully on the Texas FFA website before calling the hotels.

Registration This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s registration fee is $40 per person, including advisors. There will be a $10 discount for each FFA member registered if you book your hotel room in the Texas FFA housing block. In addition to this discount, advisors registration fee will be waived if you book your hotel room in the Texas FFA housing block.

Guest Registration Guest Registration will open soon. All guests are strongly encouraged to pre-register online to avoid long lines at convention. Please note that all guests are required to purchase a day or week pass to attend convention. Continue to check the Texas FFA website over the next month for more information.

Texas FFA Chorus If you have students with vocal talent, the Texas FFA Chorus might be a great opportunity. Approximately 60 students will be selected for the 2015 Texas FFA Chorus.

The selection will be based on voice quality and attempting to achieve a chorus with balance and an ability to blend in an advanced ensemble. For more information visit the Texas FFA website.

Texas FFA Convention Media This year there are two different features of the Convention Media program. The first is The Convention Chronicle, the official online news of the Texas FFA Convention. The second feature is The Convention Report, a newscast video scheduled to air during the final general session. Being part of this media staff is a large commitment, but one that will be a wonderful learning experience and an excellent addition to any resume. For more information visit the Texas FFA website.

Texas FFA Internship Opportunities Texas FFA Association Student Recognition Internship - This paid internship will focus primarily on helping facilitate the state degree check and scholarship selection process as well as coordinate several different facets of the annual state convention. Students interested in event planning, communications, agricultural education, leadership and service are encouraged to apply. This is a very hands-on, project-based internship that requires attention to details, excellent customer service skills, effective communication and professionalism. For more information visit the Texas FFA website. Texas FFA Association Leadership Development Internship - This paid internship will focus primarily on helping facilitate the new state officer selection process during state degree check as well as several different facets of the annual state convention. Students interested in event planning, communications, agricultural education, leadership and service are encouraged to apply. This is a very hands-on, project-based internship that requires attention to details, excellent customer service skills, effective communication and professionalism. For more information visit the Texas FFA website. 7

VATAT News

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VATAT News

UPDATE Living a Life … Living a Legacy Aaron Alejandro, Texas FFA Foundation Executive Director “Go as far as you can see. When you get there, you’ll always be able to see a little farther.” – Zig Ziglar When you are proud of something, you want to share. I’m proud of Texas agriculture, agricultural science education and the Texas FFA. Recently, I was reporting to the VATAT Board of Directors some interesting facts and perspectives on where the Texas FFA Foundation is today. In looking back, we can be proud of accomplishments and also build on past successes for those who will follow in our footsteps … our ultimate mission. The fixed assets of the Texas FFA Foundation have grown 157% over the past 15-years - that’s an average growth of 11.2% a year! That’s great … opportunities for agricultural education, educators and Texas FFA members. How did this happen? The answer is simple. Philanthropy – a desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes. We like to say philanthropy is the giving of TIME, TALENT or TREASURE. The Texas FFA has been blessed by companies, organizations and individuals who have given all three. Following the presentation to the VATAT board, a member complimented me on a job well done. Yes, I acknowledged that we had some great success. However, it is important to know that you only see me because I stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before and given to our great organization. We are living and leaving a legacy. Legacy is defined as anything handed down from the past, as from an ancestor or predecessor. What kind of culture, value system or philanthropy are we leaving for those who will follow in our footsteps? I was reading an article from Susan V. Bosak which really made a great analogy on legacy. She wrote, legacy is about life and living. It’s about learning from the past, living in the present, and building for the future. Where do you think it’s best to plant a young tree: a clearing in an old-growth forest or an open field? Ecologists tell us that a young tree grows better when it’s planted in an area with older trees. The reason, it 10

seems, is that the roots of the young tree are able to follow the pathways created by former trees and implant themselves more deeply. Over time, the roots of many trees may actually graft themselves to one another, creating an intricate, interdependent foundation hidden under the ground. In this way, stronger trees share resources with weaker ones so that the whole forest becomes healthier. That’s legacy: an interconnection across time, with a need for those who have come before us and a responsibility to those who come after us. For more than 87-years, the Texas FFA has become a part of the fabric of the Lone Star State. We are here because of the “seeds” planted by those who went before. Our job is to be good stewards and leave things even better than what we’ve been given. While this is not a task which can be taken lightly, there are some basic principles we can utilize: • Purpose and Mission. Understand why what you do is important and why God has allowed our paths to intersect to accomplish a perfect plan. • Sense of Urgency. Life begins with an inhale and we will depart this world with an exhale. We should act on our purpose and mission as if today is the day our exhale happens. Leave with a satisfied exhale of accomplishment … not a quick “whew” – glad that’s over. • Recognize Needs and Respond. You don’t need a “fundraiser” or “development officer” to recognize there are needs in our Texas FFA or in local communities. Recognize the need and lend your philanthropy to the cause. • Faith. Every successful person I’ve met is grounded in faith. They recognize they do not make their own heart beat or their chest to draw a breath. They have a gratitude for God and the higher power that allows them the chance to live out their purpose. • Passion. Without passion, we are just place holders until the final exhale. Live a life of legacy … full of passion.

VATAT News What an incredible picture of Texas FFA history to the right. Pictured center is Doug Scott with Ford Division / Texas Ford Dealers - first million dollar gift in the history of FFA (to the Texas FFA). To the left is our largest individual donor - Dick Wallrath (more than $1.5 million directly and additional millions in scholarships to Texas FFA / 4-H members). To the right is Mr. Joel Cowley – President/CEO of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo who gives millions to deserving Texas FFA and 4-H members. In addition to these great sponsors, we recognize the generosity of the San Antonio Livestock Expo, Austin Rodeo, Ft Worth Stock Show and State Fair of Texas. This group, along with our individual scholarship donors, are also very much appreciated and recognized as part of the legacy leaders for the Texas FFA. We’ve seen what others have done … what can you do?

A STRONG TEXAS DEMANDS STRONG LEADERSHIP. And the voice of agriculture—today and tomorrow—needs young folks with passion, drive and diligence. Join hundreds of students from across the state at Texas Farm Bureau’s Youth Leadership Conference. Learn more about the free enterprise system, citizenship and leadership. And make lifelong friends.

June 15-19, 2015 Tarleton State University Contact your local county Farm Bureau to sign up today!

VATAT News

UPDATE Membership Has It’s Privileges Kelly White, Texas FFA Alumni President Membership has its privileges. This patented trademark phrase of American Express has a strong meaning. For example, try shopping at Sam’s Club or Costco without being a member. Try getting reward points from your gas card, hotel stays, favorite restaurant without signing up for membership. I think you get the picture; some of these privileges are free when you sign up for them while others come at cost. Why am I including this in the Alumni portion of the VATAT News? Because I would like to let everyone know the benefits you gain from simply being a member of the Texas FFA Alumni. The mission of the Texas FFA Alumni Association is to secure the promise of FFA and agricultural education by creating an environment where people and communities can develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success. We provide scholarships to the Washington Leadership Conference (four $475 scholarships); two college scholarships ($1000); and ten local affiliate grants ($500). Membership has its privileges. The hook is you to have an Alumni Affiliate/Chapter to claim these benefits. Each year I receive applications for these awards from FFA Members and some Chapters in hopes of reaping the benefits that the Texas FFA Alumni has to offer. These qualifications are an active local affiliate in good standing with the State and National FFA Alumni with a minimum of ten (10) paid Alumni members. However, each year I receive several applications from students that appear to be extremely active in their search of these awards that do not have an alumni affiliate in their local FFA chapter. These applications are signed by a local advisor stating the affixed information is true. Their applications were rejected. This was a difficult task to do. Deny a child a scholarship? Where did they miss the part that you have to have active alumni affiliate with ten paid members? Do they call their booster club an alumni and someone forgets to pay their dues? Am I missing something? Is it fair to offer these awards to nonmembers? Is your Star Greenhand awarded to the best first year Ag student or is it awarded to your outstanding

first year FFA member? Membership has its privileges. I had someone recently ask me if the Texas FFA Alumni could sponsor an event. I told this person that I could not make that decision myself, but I doubt our Alumni Board would spend the Texas FFA Alumni’s money on a function that would not personally benefit the Texas FFA. Membership has its privileges. Beware! Some of the Reward Clubs have fine print and a gotcha clauses. The Texas FFA Alumni doesn’t. All that we ask is ten national/state dues paying members and complete the application to put your name in the hat for our rewards. More rewards can be found on our website www.texasffaalumni.org

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VATAT News

UPDATE Notes From the Executive Secretary Don Beene, Texas Young Farmers Executive Secretary In this issue of the VATAT Newsletter you will find information regarding a survey that we would like you to complete. The purpose of this survey is to poll your preferences regarding the 2016 State Convention and where you would like to hold the 2017 State Convention. You can also access the survey on our website www.txyoungfarmers.com. If you take the survey your name will be placed in a drawing for a $50.00 gift card to WalMart. To the best of my knowledge all dues have been paid. I have provided Karen Jones, the VATAT Membership Coordinator, with a list of names and addresses for all roster members. This

should place you on the mailing list for the VATAT Newsletter. If you know of anyone that is not receiving the monthly newsletter, please let me know. At this time this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Texas Young Farmers scholarship applications are being judged. Please check back next month for more information. Debi Peyton from Chico manages our web page www. txyoungfarmers.com and does an outstanding job. Please email me any information you would like to publish on the site. I will forward it on to Debi and she will get it published. You can also like us on Facebook.

VATAT News

60th Annual Young Farmers of Texas State Convention

Erin Pilosi-Kimbrough is a Program Coordinator that conducts Agriculture Workshops for Military Veterans for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. She has a booth each year at the Convention; plus she puts on workshops for our members. We want to thank Erin for her assistance and support of our program.

Janis Muehr from Halletsville, Texas is one of our loyal exhibitors that consistently attends the Texas Young Farmers State Convention. Janis sales Tupperware and has supported us for many years.

VATAT News

VATAT

614 East 12th Street Austin, Texas 78701

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Upcoming Events April

April Continued

1st Swine Tag Orders Begin 1st VATAT Scholarship Application Deadline 1st Texas Young Farmer Scholarship Deadline 11th Invitational CDEs, Texas Tech 15th State FFA Chorus Application Deadline

May

15th Foundation Ambassador Application Deadline

1st Late Swine Tag Order Begins

15th Texas FFA Convention Media Deadline

1st State CDEs, Sam Houston State

21th Steer Tag Order Deadline

1st State CDEs, Texas A&M

23rd State CDEs, Tarleton

12th State Wildlife CDE, Nacogdoches

25th State CDEs, Texas Tech

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Contact www.vatat.org

(512) 472-3128

vatat@vatat.org

Officers Jack Winterrowd, President

Ray Pieniazek, Vice President

Shane Crafton, Secretary/Treasurer

Staff Barney McClure, Executive Director

Ashley Dunkerley, Communications

Karen Jones, Membership Services