Commissioner Miller Honors Coltin Walton From Magnolia with November 'GROW' Award (11/16/2016)

Award Gives Recognition for Outstanding Work completed by middle and high school students

AUSTIN — Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is pleased to honor Coltin Walton, a sophomore from Magnolia High School in Magnolia, 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’d like to say how proud I am of Coltin for earning this month’s GROW award,” Commissioner Miller said. “Young Texans like Coltin make me hopeful for the future of our great state. He’s got the talent and the drive to succeed that has been fueling success in Texas for hundreds of years. Way to go, Coltin!” Coltin was chosen from hundreds of Texas students for demonstrating leadership and academic success in his school activities, as well as his commitment to community service. “I am very honored to be receiving this award,” Coltin said. “I want to thank my parents and my teachers for affording me the opportunity to participate in all the events and activities I've gone to. I have been fortunate enough to grow up in a household that pushes community service and giving back. I feel I am very well-rounded, and regardless of what I do, I give it my all. Most of all, I want to thank the Texas Department of Agriculture for bestowing this honor on me." Coltin was nominated for the GROW award by his high school counselor, Roxy Gilchrist. “Coltin is a leader both inside and outside of school,” Gilchrist said. “Although Coltin participates in several projects, community service has always been something he enjoys, and he feels strongly about giving back to his community and those in need.” Coltin serves as 4-H club officer and teen leader for poultry for the Trails End 4-H, as well as the second vice president for Montgomery 4-H County Council. Coltin has been the recipient of the Bronze Star, Silver Star, Unsung Hero and Agricultural Record Book Recipient at the county level. Coltin also placed second in the Animal Science SET Poster contest at the State 4-H Roundup this past summer. Additionally, Coltin is a member of the Magnolia FFA and the Livestock Judging Team. Coltin was the Texas state winner of Division 1 Animal Sciences category for the Agriscience Competition, and he was selected as a finalist for the National Agriscience Fair where he placed fifth in the Division I category and received a gold medal for his project.   Academically, Coltin is in the top tier of his class, taking advanced placement courses and ranking seventh overall out of 509 students. He also received the Citizenship Award at Magnolia High School and was a district finalist at the science fair. Coltin is also an active member of the Magnolia High School JV football team. Until graduation, Coltin plans to continue his growth and leadership in 4-H, FFA, football and the classroom. After high school, Coltin plans to attend either Rice University or Texas A&M University to study engineering. For more on Coltin’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. Between October to May each year, TDA selects one Texas student per month to receive the GROW award. Our next award will be given out in December 2016. Nominations will be due by Dec. 1, 2016. To learn more about GROW, click here.