Texas Farm Credit, a rural lending cooperative, recently awarded $2,000 scholarships to six students across the state through the 2021 Marsha Martin Scholarship Program.
The scholarships honor the memory of Marsha Pyle Martin, a native of Paris, Texas. At the time of her death in January 2000, she was chair and chief executive officer of the Farm Credit Administration. Since 2000, Texas Farm Credit has presented $170,500 in college scholarships to students pursuing agriculture-related degrees. The co-op also donates $500 to each recipient's 4-H club or FFA chapter.
“It’s important to us to support the next generation of ag leaders,” said Mark Miller, Texas Farm Credit chief executive officer. “The scholarship recipients are leaders in their local 4-H and FFA chapters. By investing in these students and their goals, we’re helping shape the future of agriculture.”
Miller noted the students’ accomplishments:
Ethan Ashley is a senior at Medina High School. He plans to attend Wharton Junior College, majoring in ag business. He is a member of the Medina FFA chapter. Ashley is a herdsman at his family’s ranch, which breeds sheep for 4-H and FFA clubs. He hopes his degree allows him to succeed on the business side of ranching and animal breeding.
Luke T. Bludau is a senior at Hallettsville High School and in the top 10% of his class. He plans to attend Texas A&M University, majoring in biological science and agricultural engineering. Bludau is vice president of the Hallettsville FFA chapter, state 4-H health ambassador and chairman of the Lavaca County 4-H Council. After college, he hopes to lead and develop processes to protect Texas agriculture.
Cooper Ford is a senior at Weslaco High School and in the top 10% of his class. He will attend Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in animal science. He is a Texas 4-H youth livestock ambassador and a member of the Borderline 4-H club. Ford also serves as the Area X FFA Association’s 1st vice president. Eventually, he wants to pursue a career in agriculture policy or production agriculture.
Ember Reyes is a senior at James Madison High School and in the top 10% of her class. She will attend Texas A&M University, majoring in animal science and biochemistry. Reyes is president of her school’s FFA chapter and the Area VII FFA Association 1st vice president. She hopes to open a veterinary hospital and explore opportunities in the agriscience field.
Shaeffer Suttle is a senior at Prairiland High School. He plans to pursue a degree in plant and soil sciences at Oklahoma State University. Suttle is president of the Prairiland and Paris District FFA chapters. After college, he’d like to pursue a career in agronomy sales.
Reed Thorn is a senior and class salutatorian at Arp High School. He plans to attend Texas A&M University, majoring in biological and agricultural engineering. Thorn is a member of the Arp FFA chapter and is the Area 6 FFA Association secretary. After college, he hopes to become an agricultural engineer.
Texas Farm Credit is an agricultural lending cooperative that provides competitive rates, flexible terms, and personal service to farmers, ranchers, rural residents and agribusiness firms from the Red River to the Rio Grande Valley. Not only does Texas Farm Credit finance a wide range of farming and ranching operations, it also offers home and rural real estate mortgage loans, as well as provides a variety of insurance services to its members. Headquartered in Robstown, Texas, the lending co-op serves 100 Texas counties and is part of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of rural lending co-ops established in 1916.
Click here to see more...