[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 193 (Thursday, December 15, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H8981]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA

  (Mr. CRAWFORD asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Southside 
High School chapter of the Future Farmers of America from Batesville, 
Arkansas. Southside's FFA chapter, under the leadership of Mr. Chase 
Hilton, revitalized its animal science program 3 years ago. Since 
resuming the program, Southside has been a powerhouse in State and 
national competitions.
  One hundred thirty-five students at Southside, many of whom have 
never been involved in livestock, are now working in the school's 
stockyard raising cattle, sheep, hogs, and horses. Recently, Blaine 
French and Trenton Tosh won honors at the Independence County Fair with 
Grand Champion Angus and Hereford cattle. Blaine had Grand Champion and 
Supreme Champion hogs, and also won Best of the Best Showmanship Award.
  Trenton Tosh won Grand Champion Hereford Heifer and Grand Champion 
Hereford Bull at the Arkansas State Fair.
  Southside's Livestock Evaluation Team, made up of Blaine French, 
Trenton Tosh, Jackson Mead, and Thomas Johnson, were named the Arkansas 
State Champions and went on to place eighth in Nationals.
  More important than any medals or awards are the life lessons those 
students learn and are learning through State and national 
competitions.
  I commend Southside Future Farmers of America and their instructor, 
Chase Hilton, for their outstanding achievements. I know they're 
watching now.
  Congratulations. Great work.

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