FFA officers representing many organizations raise the flag.

Meet the Students Who Prove You Can Do It All

At West Hardin CCISD, two FFA members show what small-school students can accomplish when they jump into a wide range of activities. Students Maddison Brothers and Bella Skinner manage sports, leadership roles and nonstop schedules while still shining in FFA.

Maddison Brothers: The Athlete Who Never Stops 

Maddison Brothers competes in basketball, volleyball, tennis, track and field, and the West Hardin trailer team. She acknowledges her spark for FFA began at home. “My brother inspired me by showing me all of his hard work,” she said. In fact, that inspiration pushed her to join FFA and compete confidently.

Brothers playing volleyball.

Even with a packed schedule, she stays balanced thanks to her school’s support. “My coaches and teachers help me make sure I balance my schedule, practices, and get all the work I need.”

Also, Brothers loves the size of her small school. “We don’t have too small of a team that it’s hard, but we don’t have too big of a team that it’s hard to be involved,” she explained. Through FFA, she has learned “how to work as a team and be a team leader,” skills she knows will help with college and scholarships.

Brothers in welding gear.

Finally, she is proud of advancing to Area in radio broadcasting and winning first in her division in sports. Her advice to younger students says everything about who she is. “If you want to do something, go for it. Your coaches and teachers will work with you.”

Bella Skinner: The Leader Wearing Every Hat

Meanwhile, Bella Skinner is a junior, FFA reporter, the woodwind section leader in band, and the vice president of her school’s National Honor Society (NHS). Growing up in a family surrounded by agriculture made FFA feel familiar to her. “A lot of my family members were involved in FFA, and that definitely influenced my decision to join,” she said.

Skinner, the FFA officer.

Furthermore, Skinner keeps her schedule organized even when it is packed with weekday practices, Saturday competitions, and Friday football games. To stay ahead, she works hard to finish assignments early. “I try my best to get all my work done ahead of time, so I’m not stressed when I get home late.”

The hardest part for her is choosing between conflicting events. “Trying to decide what to prioritize is definitely the toughest thing,” she said.

Skinner, the band leader.

Leadership roles have taught Skinner to guide others with patience and confidence. “Being the FFA reporter and NHS vice president has taught me how to lead diverse groups of people,” she said. Above all, Skinner’s goal is to be like the leaders she admires. “The most memorable leaders weren’t bossy but willing to admit their mistakes and grow with us.”

In addition, FFA has had a large influence on Skinner’s future goals. “My involvement in this program has let me know that I want to be a vet.”

Small School Big Dreams

Brothers and Skinner show that small-school students can do anything with support, passion and the courage to try. Their many hats don’t slow them down: They help them shine.