Casting a Light on Proficiency Awards
Thursday, July 18, 2019 | Author: Amador Ruiz III, Pearsall FFA
Throughout the week of the Texas FFA Convention, Texas FFA members received accolades in multiple areas, highlighting different aspects of the association including proficiency awards.
The proficiency process can be summed up as a resume competition with multiple facets including short answer questions, essays and photos.
Jade Spencer of Canton FFA received the Agricultural Processing proficiency award for her business canning and selling pickles. She came to realize canning is becoming a lost art and hopes to encourage other members to carry out this tradition.
Applying for a proficiency award, it is not a simple feat.
“When you look at [the application], it’s very overwhelming, and it takes a lot of time and effort to make it look right, but it’s definitely worth it,” Spencer said.
Alyssa Hurley of Whitehouse FFA received the Specialty Animal Production proficiency award due to her work as a licensed falconer in Texas. With this recognition, she hopes to raise awareness and advocate for the birds of prey.
“Taking five years of experience and condensing it down into five short answer essays with a limit of 500 words was the hardest part,” Hurley said.
Agricultural Processing and Specialty Animal production are just two of 51 proficiency Texas FFA awards. Along with receiving recognition for their accomplishments, award recipients receive a plaque and a $1,000 scholarship.
Ultimately, proficiency awards grant members the opportunity to work toward their goals, grow through of their unique experiences and received recognition for their hard work.
Reporter: Amador Ruiz III, Pearsall FFA
Photographer: Brendi Brown, Stratford FFA
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