chapter highlights: Texico ffa
Texico and Farwell… the rivalry goes back decades. If you know anything about Texico and Farwell’s relationship, you would know the immense athletic competition that comes from the other side of the state line. However, if you took a look on the other side of the extracurriculars and into the FFA, you would see the impact two chapters can have when they come together. Each year, the Texico and Farwell FFA chapters join teams and put on the Wilbur-Ellis Auction. The auction features and array of donations and hand-made goods all brought from FFA members after going out into the community asking for items. Items are then sold to community members who attend the auction. For instance, this year’s carpentry class constructed a cedar chest, which was sold for over $1000. Surprisingly, the most popular items are homemade cakes, often selling for thousands. The Wilbur Ellis Auction is Texico’s biggest fundraiser, bringing in over $30,000 just this year.
As a result of the community’s dedication towards Texico FFA, members from the chapter have made sure to give back. Last summer, members Bennett Wahlen and Daniel Harrison built the new sign for the High Plains Heritage Museum. They cut, welded, and helped install the signage, demonstrating Texico’s commitment to community involvement. “I love working in the metal shop, so being able to make a difference while having fun is something that makes being in FFA even better,” says Bennett. In the image below, the Curry County Commission honored their hard work and contribution along with everyone else who helped create the museum.
Sometimes service is best done at home. During the holiday season, Texico’s chapter officers visited the elementary school as a part of the Ag in the Classroom initiative. Officers made “reindeer food—” a mix of chocolate, peanut butter, Chex mix, and candy—to help teach kids about food production and introduce them to FFA. “I think it was such a valuable thing to do because not only is it a way to create a relationship with the younger generation at our school, but it also gives them something to look forward to when they get to high school,” remarks chapter Treasurer Shelby Jenkins.
While visiting places in our bubble is great, taking a step outside our comfort zone can be just as rewarding. In the case for a few members this year, that step was big… 1700-miles-away big. In April, Jayda Goodson (State FFA Vice President) and Denny Turner (State 4H President) attended a trip to Washington D.C. Lead by New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte. State FFA and 4H officers met legislators, industry leaders, and agencies to advocate for agriculture and learn more about our nation’s most important industries. “The best part about going to D.C. for me was getting to meet with many different inspiring people who now work in D.C.,” says Denny.
Texico’s members wouldn’t have as many opportunities as they have if it wasn’t for some special people. The chapter hosts an annual Teacher Appreciation Breakfast where all Texico staff are invited to a morning of eggs, bacon, and each other’s company. When thinking about what makes the breakfast so important, chapter Parliamentarian Mason Franklin recounts the “opportunity to give back to the teachers at Texico and all of their hard work.” “We are really blessed to have the staff and mentors that we do,” he says.
Speaking of hardworking people, one of Texico’s ag teacher’s Mr. Whitener is retiring this year—not without making an astounding impact, however. Mr. Whitener has taught at Texico for 17 years and has equipped many members with the technical and life skills to succeed. Earlier this year, some of Mr. Whitener’s students competed in the State Weld-Off, a first for the chapter. The Weld-Off is an opportunity for members to compete in a hand-on welding contest that promotes practical experiences in metal fabrication tasks. In their first year, the team brought home Reserve Grand Champion.
The past year for the Texico FFA Chapter has been filled to the brim with special moments, new experiences, and dedicated people. This year’s chapter officers chose the word “diligent” as the perfect word to describe the chapter.