Katy ISD FFA Students Honored With $86,000 in Scholarships, Continuing a Proud Tradition
Katy Independent School District (Katy ISD) is celebrating another milestone in its long and proud history with Future Farmers of America (FFA) and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Three Taylor High School FFA students—Jacob Baker, Madelyn Roxburgh, and Tristan Gore—have been awarded a combined $86,000 in scholarships, recognizing years of hard work, dedication, and leadership in agriculture.
Baker earned three awards, including a $20,000 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Metropolitan Scholarship, a $10,000 Richard Wallrath Educational Foundation Scholarship, and a $20,000 Rotary Club of Katy Scholarship. Roxburgh was awarded a $20,000 San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholarship, while Gore received a $16,000 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholarship.
“These scholarships are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our FFA students,” said Jeannie Knierim, Katy ISD Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE). “Their success is reflective of the district’s commitment to student success.”
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A Legacy of Agricultural Learning in Katy ISD
FFA has been part of Katy ISD for more than 75 years, with its roots stretching back to the 1940s. The program thrives today thanks to both student passion and community support. Students participate in supervised agricultural projects, livestock shows, and competitions that not only showcase skill but also develop leadership, teamwork, and citizenship.
The Gerald D. Young Agricultural Sciences Center stands as the heart of Katy ISD’s agricultural program. The 125-acre facility includes barns, classrooms, labs, an eco-pond, and two major arenas—the L.D. Robinson Pavilion and the W.E. “Billy” Morgan Rodeo Arena. The space rivals county fairgrounds and allows students to work hands-on with livestock, crops, and ecological studies. It also hosts community events such as leadership contests, livestock shows, and rodeos that bring thousands of spectators together each year.
Community Support Runs Deep
Katy ISD’s annual FFA Livestock Show is a cornerstone event, raising more than $1 million in 2025 despite cold, rainy weather—a record-setting moment for the district. Alongside the traditional show, events like the “Progress Show” prepare students for larger competitions, while the Best Buddies Special Rodeo pairs FFA members with students who have special needs, promoting inclusion, leadership, and joy.
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National Recognition and Future Leadership
Katy ISD FFA programs consistently shine on the state and national stage. Teams from multiple high schools have won championships in leadership and technical competitions, with Katy High School’s Poultry Evaluation team recently securing its fourth straight national title. Taylor High School students have also been recognized nationally for their achievements in agriscience research.
The district’s agricultural legacy continues to grow, thanks to leaders like the late L.D. Robinson, for whom the Pavilion is named. Today, more than 3,200 Katy ISD students benefit from FFA programs, carrying forward a tradition that blends history, community, and innovation.
With this year’s scholarship awards, Baker, Roxburgh, and Gore join a long line of Katy ISD FFA students whose mud-caked boots, early mornings, and steadfast dedication to agriculture have opened doors to higher education and lifelong success.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
