SISD 

Photo: From left, Brysen Brown, Miguel Gomez, Adrian Cruz, Ashton Cogburn and Briggs Bryant stand among their projects which won blue ribbons at the Houston Livestock and Rodeo. Photo Courtesy, Syd Stehr

Five ag mech students headed to the Houston Livestock and Rodeo the weekend of March 19 to exhibit their projects, and all walked away with a shiny blue ribbon after excellent project presentations.

"The FFA members who exhibited their projects in Houston have an unrivaled work ethic," said Syd Stehr, FFA Ag Mech Lead. "They have spent time outside of class at the ag shop working on their projects many long hours after school and on weekends."

Briggs Bryant and Ashton Cogburn worked together to create a round hay feeder, and Brysen Brown built a feed trough. Adrian Cruz and Miguel Gomez assembled a 10-foot utility trailer, a big project that was completed recently. These projects were started in December with most completed by mid-January, Stehr said.

At the show, the students had to defend their projects to judges and give a presentation. Judges also looked over portfolios prepared by the students that include project cost, design drawings, description of equipment used and photos of the building process.

"The opportunities in this program are endless," Stehr said. "I encourage more students to be involved in FFA activities like these to hone skills that will be a great asset to them in the workforce."