2009-10-29

Evans & Neely take firsts at Farm Bureau’s District 10 competition

Contributed

Bandera County students representing the local Farm Bureau fared well during District 10 competitions held on Oct. 10 in Quihi, according to President Barbara Mazurek.

Jessie Evans, daughter of Jesse and Jamie Evans of Utopia, won first place in the District 10 Free Enterprise Speech Contest and Brandi Neely, daughter of Bob and Linda Neely of Bandera, placed first in the Texas Farm Bureau District 10 Talent Find Contest. Additionally, Neely placed second in the Miss TFB district competition.

As district winners, Neely and Evans received $1,000 scholarships from Texas Farm Bureau and will represent Bandera County and District 10 at the TFB State Contest in Fort Worth on Dec. 5.

The road to Fort Worth began with local competitions at the Bandera Electric Cooperative on Sept. 27.

Along with Neely, other contestants in the Miss TFB competition included Emily Dabney, daughter of Jeffrey and Doris Dabney of Medina; Shauni Martin, daughter of Patty Martin of Medina; and Senisa Stacy, daughter of Shane and Tammi Stacy of Tarpley. Neely also competed in Talent Find and Evans entered the competition for the Free Enterprise Speech.

Neely and Evans were announced as winners of the competitions at the annual Bandera County Convention held Oct. 3, at the Skyline Ranch RV Park. Oct. 3. At that time, each received a $100 award from the Bandera County Farm Bureau and a chance to represent the local Farm Bureau in at the District 10 Competition.

“We are so proud of our girls,” said Mazurek. “Everyone wishes Brandi and Jessie ‘good luck’ on the next leg of the competition.”

First place winner at the state level for Miss TFB and Talent Find will receive a $2,000 scholarship from Texas Farm Bureau and the runners up a $1,500 scholarship.

Top winners in Fort Worth for the Free Enterprise Speech will receive a $4,000 scholarship and the runner up a $2,500 scholarship. The next four finalists each receive a $1,500 scholarship.

In addition, the six finalists will receive a four-day, three-night expense paid trip to Washington, DC to visit with elected officials, witness the legislative body in session and visit historical sights. The TFB will provide chaperones for the trip, slated for summer 2010.