Shayla Mader
Stephenville FFA

The project collaborated with the local Summer Food 4 Kids Program to increase community awareness, gain support, and attract volunteers. The project also established social media platforms and a website and conducted fundraising. In addition, a collection of $1,350 in generous private donations and $4,000 from the Stephenville Evening Lions Club were obtained. 

"My project has taught me that although substantial and sustainable community service is daunting, it is also rewarding, essential, and very needed. It has allowed me to see how much work, time, and dedication goes into creating and implementing a lasting service project that will genuinely impact communities. Furthermore, my project has allowed me to deeply examine some easily overlooked hardships in my community, further solidifying the importance of substantial and sustainable community service projects."



Tracer Rice
McGregor FFA

The project consisted of creating a staff appreciation program for McGregor ISD. Through various initiatives such as recognition events, steak dinners, and morning brunches, the program has helped foster a positive and motivated work environment among staff members. 

"This project has taught me the importance of substantial and sustainable community service, the importance of building strong relationships, boosting morale, and creating a culture of appreciation and support. It emphasizes the need for consistent efforts beyond token gestures to make a meaningful impact on individuals and the community."



Gauge McCain
Brazos FFA

The AgVentures project has wrapped up its first year of service. It started with a building donated to me by the Austin County Fair Board. It was transformed into an agriculture education walk-through through hard work and a generous donation from Cliff Jones RV and Tractor. During the first week of being open, it had over 2000 visitors. The building has also been used as a station for Ag in the Classroom, where over 300 third-grade students were educated on agriculture and all the fields in which agriculture is involved.

“My project has taught me how much service can unite a community. Bringing people together with a common cause can unite the community and build lifelong relationships.”



Hunter Lawson
Paradise FFA

The project involved renovating the City of Paradise’s Leone Park, with the hope of increasing community involvement and supporting physical activity. The efforts consist of rebuilding and painting fences and dugouts, updating and renovating bleachers and pathways, and creating a pocket park in the heart of the complex.

"Throughout my project, I have spoken with community and industry leaders. These talks have helped me develop my view on how important community is. Seeing the community through the eyes of individuals who have paved the way for the youth to grow into future leaders is something I will never forget."



Lily Adams
Whitehouse FFA

The project cultivated a recreational element to the Blackhawk Creek Trail in Whitehouse, Texas. Along the winding paths and verdant forestry hang ten man-made habitats, including birdhouses, bat boxes, owl houses, and duck boxes. As the official debut and outreach program to advocate for this trail's wonders, elementary school visits were conducted across the district to educate the younger minds about the local environment.

"Throughout establishing my community service project, my knowledge regarding the longevity of one's efforts has blossomed. With each new step I take in developing the next part of my project, I prioritize maintaining a sustainable mindset to ensure the legacy I will leave behind within the natural part of Whitehouse lives a lifetime. By integrating the ideas from executives from all backgrounds with whom I have had the pleasure to converse, I chose the most practical and substantial option. Through trial and error and the valuable life lessons my Ford Leadership Scholar project has thrown at me, I now understand the significance of community service due to its power to bring people together for the betterment of tomorrow."



Thomas Dean
Madisonville FFA

The project included creating "Roofs For Rufus," which was designed to fund shelters for the local animal foster care system, "Rufus Refuge."  Rufus Refuge is a 501(c)3 organization that has been Madison County's primary animal control for the past ten years. They expressed the need for additional fundraising to allow the shelter to house additional animals. A "Roofs For Rufus" website was created to accept donations in hopes of raising $15,000 for dog and cat houses. The excess will go toward pet food. 

"I learned that it is always good to find a community-focused need. Roofs for Rufus was established to address a pressing need in the community. Recognizing and responding to such needs is fundamental in community service. Second, I learned that sometimes, the best way to impact one's community is by assisting another organization that is already trying to make a change. Building partnerships and collaborating with existing organizations amplifies the impact of community service efforts. By working together, resources can be pooled, and a broader network of support can be established."



Mia Stowe
Gilmer FFA

Gilmer Reads mission is to advocate for literacy in Upshur County. The project hosted a book drive on four Gilmer ISD campuses and fundraised and advertised for the Upshur County Literacy Council. More than 800 books were collected and donated between the Gilmer Head Start and the Upshur County Library. The Gilmer Reads committee has collected $4,750 through sponsors in the community. 

"My project has taught me that a community service project can always grow to help more people. When I started my project, I planned to complete a book drive. However, I felt the need to expand my project to become more substantial and influential. Expanding a community service project is essential because it allows more people to be influenced."



Natalie Troyer
Clear Brook FFA

The project consisted of creating four agricultural education videos for middle schools within Clear Creek ISD. Eight industry professionals in different sectors of agriculture were interviewed. The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce helped edit the videos, including the b-roll that the Texas FFA and Texas Farm Bureau provided. The end goal is for the videos to be integrated into the curriculum for the semester-long class. 

“This project and the Ford Scholar Program as a whole have truly taught me that I am capable of making a difference and addressing real problems within my community. I have always noticed a need for agricultural literacy in my urban community, but the Ford Scholars program has given me the platform and resources to do something about it. I have learned that community service is not simply something to put on a resume or talk about in an interview, but it is a passion project from the heart that can create real change.”

Gus Mushinski
Bridgeland FFA

The project involved creating a website that stores local community service organizations and events in an easy-to-access database. Through collaboration with philanthropists and community organizations such as the Lion Club, more than 25 organizations have begun using the website. 

"During my time building my project, I have been able to see the connections I have made between volunteers and service organizations has shown me just how much substantial community service can do for the world around us. This project has shown me that I can truly make a difference in the community around me."
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The Ford Leadership Scholars program is a result of the Texas FFA Foundation and Texas Ford Dealers partnership to enhance the leadership opportunities of Texas FFA members.