The Hooks FFA chapter proudly represented their community at this year’s Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, showcasing the dedication, skill, and hard work of its young members. With competitors excelling in various categories, the chapter’s participation highlighted the strength of the next generation of agricultural and livestock enthusiasts.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a cornerstone event for FFA members, providing an opportunity to compete, learn, and grow. This year, the Hooks FFA members stood out in both individual and breed-specific categories, with many earning impressive rankings.
Here are the notable results from the Hooks FFA competitors:
- Mason Carlow – 3rd Place
- Tatum Hickey – 11th Place
- Rilee Wasson – 3rd Place
- Carr Kruger – 4th Place
- Reagan Wasson – 8th Place
- Addi Jenkins – 6th Place
- Avery Sutton – 17th Place
- Kimberly Vasquez – 1st Place
- Karli Hooks – 13th Place
- Ehemi Vazquez – 4th Place
- Kason Dollar – 6th Place
- Jack Hale – 3rd Place
- Bailey Smith – 10th Place
- Jackson Balette – 2nd Place
For many of these young exhibitors, the event is the culmination of months, or even years, of preparation. Kimberly Vasquez’s first-place finish is a particularly proud moment for the chapter, while Mason Carlow, Rilee Wasson, and Carr Kruger also earned top finishes in their respective categories.
“It’s amazing to see all of our hard work pay off,” said Kimberly Vasquez after the event. “We’ve been preparing for this for months, and it feels great to see the results of that effort.”
The competition was fierce, with numerous talented FFA members from across Texas participating. Despite the pressure, the Hooks FFA members represented themselves, their chapter, and their families with pride and professionalism.
While the results were impressive, the true reward for these students goes beyond the ribbons and trophies. For many, the experience of competing in such a prestigious event was a valuable learning opportunity. The chance to network with peers and mentors, learn from other exhibitors, and build lifelong friendships was just as important as the final standings.
In addition to individual accomplishments, the event also provided an important platform for the growth and future of agriculture. Many of the students participated in the educational programs, learning about new advancements in animal husbandry, agricultural sciences, and sustainability practices.
“The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is more than just a competition,” said the Hooks FFA advisor. “It’s about providing our students with an experience that teaches life skills, responsibility, hard work, and the importance of perseverance.”
As the event concluded, Hooks FFA members returned home with more than just awards. They returned with a sense of pride in their efforts and accomplishments and a stronger commitment to their passion for agriculture.
This year’s success at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Hooks FFA chapter. With such talented members, the future of agriculture in Texas looks brighter than ever.
