Commissioner Miller Honors Daniel Rodriguez of Morton Ranch High School With ‘GROW’ Award (12/15/2015)

Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today honored Daniel Rodriguez, a senior from Morton Ranch High School in Katy, Texas, as the winner of the Texas Department of Agriculture’s monthly GROW award. The award Gives Recognition for Outstanding Work to middle and high school students who demonstrate leadership and excellence inside and outside the classroom.

“I have to tip my hat to Daniel for earning this month’s GROW award,” Commissioner Miller said. “Thanks to young leaders like Daniel the future of Texas looks brighter than ever. I couldn’t be more proud to honor Daniel, as he symbolizes everything I look for in a great leader — a strong work ethic, dedication to community and family, and a can-do attitude.”

Daniel was chosen from hundreds of his fellow Texas students for demonstrating leadership in school activities, as well as his commitment to community service. Daniel was nominated for the GROW award by Casey Wilson, an agriculture science teacher at El Campo High School who previously taught Daniel at Morton Ranch High School.

“In honor of receiving the GROW award, I would like to thank everyone who helped get me to where I am today,” Daniel said. “Through thick and thin, I’ve always had my family and an ag teacher by my side. Three of my teachers in particular have always been behind me pushing me for greatness and success, including Mrs. Wilson. She was there when my dad passed away, led me to state in Poultry Judging and constantly pushed me to do my best. Finally, I’d like to thank my family and my lord and savior. Dad, we lost you too soon, but you instilled values into me and taught me to lead with unwavering character.”

In her nomination, Wilson said Daniel is a very driven young man with a passion to succeed in everything he does. Wilson noted Daniel’s competitive drive, which helps him motivate his peers and fellow chapter officers to strive for the best.

Daniel currently serves as the president of the Morton Ranch FFA, as well as committee chair for the leadership and recruitment committees. He has served as chapter vice president for the Morton Ranch FFA, a member of the Maverick Band and member of the principal’s round table. He raises market hogs and chickens at the local and county level. Daniel also is a life scout.

Among his peers, Daniel is known as an outstanding leader, a mentor and role model. He never hesitates to help a fellow FFA member in need, no matter the task. He leads with others in mind and constantly offers to help his classmates, especially in the ag mechanics shop where he loves to work. 

“Daniel truly is a well-rounded, diligent, dedicated and charismatic young man,” Wilson said. “He is the epitome of hard work and dedication, and he understands exactly what it takes to be successful. There is not a young man more deserving of this award.”

Daniel has found a passion for welding and plans to attend Tulsa Welding School after graduation to pursue a welding inspection degree.

For more on Daniel’s accomplishments, click here. The Texas Department of Agriculture established the GROW award to celebrate outstanding student leaders who demonstrate excellence in either their academic or extracurricular activities. Students can be nominated by community leaders such as teachers, coaches, school administrators, mayors, county judges or anyone else committed to recognizing youth leadership and achievement. 

To nominate a promising middle or high school student, visit TDA’s website at TexasAgriculture.gov. One GROW award winner is chosen monthly. Nominations for next month’s award are due Jan. 1, 2016.