Five College-Bound Students Awarded Texas Farm Credit Scholarships for 2019

Cade Judd of Gilmer is a senior at Union Grove High School, and is heading to Texas A&M University this fall to study animal science. During his high school years, he served as president of the Union Grove FFA chapter and the Union Grove National Honor Society, and was varsity football and basketball captain. He also earned a Lone Star FFA Degree and several awards in livestock showing, livestock judging, radio broadcasting and accounting competitions. His goal is to become an orthodontist and continue to raise Beefmaster cattle.

Dawson Killen of Combine is a senior at Crandall High School, and will study agricultural economics at Texas A&M University this fall. During his high school years, he was president of FFA Area V, the Crandall FFA chapter and the Crandall National Honor Society. As one of 10 Texas FFA Ford Leadership Scholars in 2018, he started a nonprofit to help at-risk and special-needs students learn about agriculture. He also earned recognition in extemporaneous speaking and public relations competitions, operated a lawn service, and was livestock manager at a show goat operation.

Gabriel Platas of Premont is a senior and class valedictorian at Santa Gertrudis Academy High School. He will attend Texas A&M University–Kingsville this fall to pursue a degree in animal science. During his high school years, he was president of the Academy Pride FFA chapter, his class, the student council and Key Club; and vice president of HOSA, an organization for future health professionals. He also was a varsity cross-country runner and cheerleader. Platas is a certified veterinary assistant, and plans to become a veterinarian specializing in emergency and critical care.

Weston Reynolds of Lufkin is a senior and class valedictorian at Huntington High School. He will attend Texas Tech University this fall to study agricultural communications. During his high school years, he served as Texas 4-H state president, student body president, and Huntington National Honor Society president. He participated in many agricultural conferences and competitions, and in 2018 was the Texas FFA Prepared Public Speaking State Champion. He also has worked as an intern in a veterinary clinic, a farrier apprentice, and in hay and cattle production.

William Scogin of Raymondville is a senior and class valedictorian at Lyford High School. He will study agricultural engineering at Texas A&M University this fall. While in high school, he was president of his class and the Lyford National Honor Society; a Texas 4-H State Leadership Council delegate; first vice president of the District 12 4-H Council; and vice president of the Lyford FFA chapter. He earned recognition in state and national FFA and 4-H competitions, and is a three-time state winner of the FFA Star in Agriscience award. He also applies engineering principles and technology at his family’s farm.