Commissioner Miller Honors Jadeyn Arthur of Ralls High School with 'GROW' Award (4/15/2016)

Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today honored Jadeyn Arthur, a junior from Ralls High School in Ralls, 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 Jadeyn for earning this month’s GROW award,” Commissioner Miller said. “Thanks to young leaders like Jayden the future of Texas looks brighter than ever. I couldn’t be more proud to honor Jadeyn, as she symbolizes everything I look for in a great leader — a strong work ethic, dedication to community and family, and a can-do attitude.”

Jadeyn was chosen from hundreds of Texas students for demonstrating leadership in her school activities, as well as her commitment to community service. She was nominated for the GROW award by her ag teacher, Katy Harkey.

“I am excited and honored to receive the GROW award,” Jadeyn said. “I am grateful to everyone who has helped me get to where I am and to the Texas Department of Agriculture for choosing me for this award. I look forward to building a career in agriculture and continuing to strive for success.”

Jadeyn was raised on her family’s cotton farm. Her upbringing has given her a unique awareness of agriculture’s impact on our lives, which translates into everything she does. Jadeyn was recently elected to serve as the District FFA Treasurer for Area 1. Last year, she took home a second-place San Antonio Agriculture Mechanics award for showmanship. Harkey said this was a proud accomplishment for Jadeyn and the school.

At school, Jadeyn serves as a Ralls FFA student advisor, student body treasurer and member of National Honor Society. In 2015, she was voted as the sophomore “Class Favorite.” Additionally, Jadeyn enjoys playing on the Ralls Lady Rabbits varsity softball team as a first baseman and was recently named an All-District First Team Infielder.

In addition to FFA, Jadeyn is currently serving as a Texas State 4-H Equine Ambassador. The ambassador program strives to give young leaders the opportunity to develop and practice advanced leadership skills related to mentoring other youth, as well as teaching them to become advocates for Texas’ equine industry.

Furthermore, Jadeyn attended the first-ever Vet Science Camp at Texas A&M University this past summer, where she became certified as a Texas Beef Quality Producer. Her experiences helped her win first place in state with her 4-H record book, and as a result of this win, she will be attending the Texas 4-H Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., in November. 

Jadeyn is active in her community. She was selected as the 2015 Ralls Miss Cotton Boll Queen. Jadeyn also teaches horse safety at the local horse club, and she helped local Boy Scouts earn their horsemanship badge. Additionally, she is a devoted member of the Ralls First United Methodist Church and serves as a Sunday liturgist.

Jadeyn plans to attend Texas A&M University, where she will work to obtain a veterinary medical science degree. She hopes to become a large animal veterinarian with a specialty in equine science.

For more on Jadeyn’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, which is the final award of this school year, are due May 1, 2016.