The National FFA Organization works to strengthen science and agricultural educational opportunities for students across the country. The Texas FFA Association and Texas FFA Foundation are the largest state organizations in the country.

On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces Madeline Barber, an FFA officer from Boerne, Texas. A well-rounded student and successful member of her school’s chapter, Barber shares her story of donating money to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Listen to the full episode with host Aaron Alejandro and Madeline Barber here.

Firm Foundations

High school student Madeline Barber has spent the last three years learning the ins and outs of agriculture. From basic principles to animal management, Barber has developed a strong foundation from which to grow–next year she’s excited to work in the field, assisting one of her teachers in a swine barn.

Barber is active in her school’s FFA chapter, competing in both Leadership Development Events (LDEs) and Community Development Events (CDE) focusing on public relations, community service, and milk quality. Overall, Barber is a balanced student who embodies the core values of FFA: she understands the importance of responsibility, a strong work ethic, and critical thinking.

Though Barber has many of the great characteristics of a typical FFA member, she is also anything but typical–a remarkable person whom Alejandro says he feels fortunate to get to talk with. “I’m just proud you’re wearing the FFA jacket,” he says

A Heart of Giving

It all started on the morning of the Kendall County Junior Livestock Show, when Barber asked her father if she could give away the profit she would make on her pig to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “Sitting at the barn I wrote my note,” she says. Barber remembers that she was nervous to share her story with so many people. “It was kind of a blur,” she says. But as soon as she read the…