Ellis County Livestock Show Honors Division Champions and Texas FFA Awardees

The Waxahachie Independent School District (WISD) held a called board meeting on May 5, 2025, where various achievements of students in agricultural and fine arts competitions were highlighted. The meeting showcased the success of students at the Ellis County Livestock Show and Rodeo, with several division champions recognized for their outstanding performances.

Among the notable achievements, Cutter Frisbee, Jesse Middleton, Colton Jones, Jason Valentine, Colt Perry, and Kenley LaCroix were named division champions in the Ag Marketplace. In the ag mechanics category, Lehi Whitehead, Nick Flores, and Weston Davis earned top honors with their smoker trailer project. The welding build-off safety award went to Cutter Frisbee, Colton Jones, Kylan Maliska, Jesse Middleton, and Jackson Volontine.

The meeting also recognized winners in various animal breeding categories. Estella Vega, Benjamin Cox, Abel Rose, and Lorelai Scoggins were acknowledged for their best of breed in breeding rabbits, while Kimber Robertson was celebrated for her reserve champion doe and junior showmanship champion in breeding goats. Abel Rose also took home the York breed champion title in breeding gilts.

In the market broilers category, Zach Buchanan was named grand champion, and Sebastian Vega was recognized as the division champion in goats. The lamb show saw Audrey Sapp as the Southtown breed champion, with Kimber Robertson and Faith Broussard earning accolades in the fine wool categories.

The swine show featured Natalie Stropel and Carson Muirhead as reserve champions in the Duroc and black OPB bridal categories, respectively. In fine arts, Jesse Middleton was named champion in leatherworking, while Jaden Middleton secured the reserve grand champion title in the floral cup.

The meeting also highlighted the achievements of students in the Texas FFA, with several members receiving the Lone Star degree, the highest honor for Texas FFA members. Notable recipients included Jax Valentine, Veil Dufresne, and Kyrie Mendoza.

Additionally, the board recognized the accomplishments of students at the TPSA state competition, where Haley Davis placed third in law facility design, and Jordan Lister received a $1,500 scholarship for his achievements. The meeting concluded with a celebration of Joaquin Guerrero, who earned the prestigious Best in Texas award for his tractor restoration project at the state TSA contest.

Overall, the meeting underscored the dedication and hard work of WISD students across various disciplines, reflecting the district's commitment to fostering excellence in education and extracurricular activities.