Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Spring Branch ISD’s Future Farmers of American (FFA) students and program alumni were in the spotlight recently at the 91st National FFA Convention and Expo held in Indianapolis.

SBISD graduates Abby Cline and Kate Sparenberg, both former students of the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) school, The Guthrie Center, were awarded American FFA Degrees at the organization’s annual convention.

Cline and Sparenberg both currently attend Texas A&M University in College Station. Cline is studying Agricultural Leadership and Development, and Sparenberg is studying Animal Science. Also attending the Indianapolis convention were eight current FFA program students from the Guthrie Center.

“I never thought when I joined FFA in 8th grade that I would be able to earn this degree,” Cline said. “It took a lot of blood, sweat, and tears as well as love and support from parents, teachers, and friends. I feel so grateful to all of them. This award represents work from so many people.”

The recognition is a testament to the hard work of both SBISD graduates and speaks to the district’s ongoing commitment to Every Child and his or her successful completion of a post-secondary degree or program.

Under the district’s key strategic goal, Spring Branch T-2-4, every SBISD graduate will attain a technical certification, military training, or a two-year or four-year degree.

The American FFA Degree is given to outstanding students in the field of agricultural study. Less than 1 percent of FFA members receive the honor, making it one of the organization’s highest achievements. 

Degree recipients must complete one full year of post-secondary agricultural program study, 50 hours of community service, and a Supervised Agricultural Experience Project.

“Being in FFA has improved my speech abilities, the way I approach professional environments, my leadership, and my knowledge in the field of veterinary medicine,” Sparenberg said. “I developed relationships with my fellow FFA members and my teachers as people that I can trust to support me to grow and learn.”

Nationally, FFA has approximately 653,000 members. In addition to the degree certification, each award recipient received a gold American FFA Degree key.

“FFA was one of the biggest blessings of my life,” Cline said. She joined because of her father, a former FFA student and program member, who encouraged his daughter to follow in his footsteps.

Students spent time during the convention learning the marketing and business aspects of their field of study, from listening to motivational speakers to meeting with colleges and U.S. agricultural companies. 

The eight current FFA Program students who attended the convention included four from Memorial High School and one student each from Yes Prep Northbrook, Stratford High and Westchester Academy for International Studies.

“The whole trip was a huge learning experience,” said Kathryn Corona, who is an FFA instructor at The Guthrie Center.

“It was important for my students to see our organization on a large scale,” Corona said. “It opened their eyes to the numerous opportunities that are available to them in FFA. It allowed them to see the things we talk about in class used in real life.”

“For me, the biggest learning moment of the trip was realizing my accomplishment was a motivation for younger members of my FFA chapter,” said Cline. “Knowing that younger members are watching and dedicating themselves…was a big honor.”

SBISD’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program provides students with the academic and technical skills, knowledge and training necessary to succeed in future careers.

In addition to agriculture, CTE coursework includes architectural design, business, accounting, finance, engineering, filmmaking, commercial photography, cosmetology, 3D animation, computer technology and networking, health science, electrical technology, construction, criminal justice, culinary arts, education, graphic design, hospitality and tourism, firefighting, and welding.

“Being in FFA brought me out of my comfort zone and gave me the motivation I need to be my best,” Cline said. “I would encourage students to join FFA because it provides a greater learning experience outside of the typical classroom setting.”

• Learn more about SBISD’s CTE Programming
• Learn more about SBISD’s Guthrie Center