Commissioner Miller Honors Emily Reiley From Marion With December ‘Grow’ Award (12/16/2016)
Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is pleased to honor Emily Reiley, a senior from Marion
High School in Marion, 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 Emily for earning this month’s GROW award,” Commissioner Miller said.
“Young Texans like Emily make me hopeful for the future of our great state. She’s got the talent and the
drive to succeed that has been fueling success in Texas for hundreds of years. Way to go, Emily!”
Emily was chosen from hundreds of Texas students for demonstrating leadership and academic success
in her school activities, as well as her commitment to community service.
"I am honored to have been selected to receive the GROW award,” Emily said. “Agriculture has always
been an important part of my life, and it has helped to shape the person I am today. I hope that I can have
an impact on other people in the same way that those involved in agriculture have impacted me. I am
grateful to my family and my ag teachers for all their support."
Emily was nominated for the GROW award by Deanna Roeder, her agricultural science teacher and FFA
advisor.
“When asked to describe a true student leader, Emily always comes to mind first,” Roeder said. “She has
a focus and determination to not only be successful but help others along the way to become the best
they can be. She works hard to be the kind of leader that influences other students to find their highest
potential.”
Emily is a member of the FFA, National Honor Society where she also serves as vice president, 4-H,
Photography Club and Spanish Club. Emily’s academic record also shines, as she has earned one of the
top spots in her graduating class.
As a member of the Marion FFA, Emily has served her school, district and area as an officer. She has
been a member of the state champion Wool Judging Team, state qualifying Chapter Conducting Team
and area qualifying Agricultural Issues Team. Emily has shown livestock across the Lone Star State, and
she works with younger Marion FFA members to help them improve their showmanship and animal
management.
Emily also works with children with special needs, and she has found a passion to help them grow and
succeed. In her nomination, Roeder said Emily plans to become a Certified Occupational Therapist,
where through agricultural activities like gardening or horseback riding, she can help these young children
find their full potential.
Additionally, Emily is a volunteer at St. John Lutheran Church, where she teaches bible school and works
with younger church members. According to Roeder, Emily is an example of the values that true leaders
hold.
“It is rare to find a young lady of her caliber, making her much deserved of this recognition,” Roeder said.
After graduation, Emily plans to attend Texas Tech University and major in animal science.
For more on Emily’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 January 2017. Nominations will be due by Jan. 1, 2017. To
learn more about GROW, click here.
