08/25/2026
Local student attends Texas Farm Bureau’s Thrive event in Waco
(WACO, Texas)—Two Houston County students attended Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) Thrive event gaining new skills and confidence to be a leader in agriculture. The three-day event focused on building public speaking skills, understanding the free enterprise system, developing a personal brand, being an agricultural advocate and learning money management.
Houston County Farm Bureau sponsored Jayden Vickers,a senior at Latexo High School and Cooper LeBlanc, a senior at Grapeland High School , attended the event. “The Thrive experience gives high school students the opportunity to explore their strengths and talents and help them grow into their future careers and as a leader for agriculture,” Todd Stone, Houston County Farm Bureau president, said. “We are proud of Jayden and Cooper attending this event and grew their skills as a future leader for agriculture.”
The Thrive event, was held July 31 – Aug. 2 in Waco at TFB’s Conference and Training Center, also included media engagement training and hands-on activities to help students strengthen their skills.
“Our youth are the future of our communities and agriculture,” Todd said. “Jayden and Cooper are well on their way to becoming successful young leaders after attending this conference.”
Those who attended Thrive are eligible to participate in TFB’s AgVentures Challenge and associated scholarships, and they are also eligible to apply for TFB’s Dick Mitchell Memorial Scholarship. Thrive is a part of TFB’s Student Success Series, which includes leadership programs for students in eighth through twelfth grade. The Student Success Series aims to help students develop a better understanding of advocacy, learn more about Farm Bureau and grow personal and professional skills they can use now and in the future.
For more information about the Student Success Series, visit texasfarmbureau.org/student success-series.
Texas students put together the pieces that make up a successful leader through the Student Success Series. Students in 8th through 12th grade can learn more about leadership and networking and grow confidence and personal professionalism. For questions, email [email protected] or call 254.39...
