Several Lubbock high school students returned from the FFA National Convention in Indianapolis with awards. Frenship Memorial senior Karter Bowen is the Area 1 first vice president. He served as a Texas delegate at the convention, where he said he was on a committee. Bowen won at the state level in swine production placement proficiency and placed in the top four nationally.
Ryan Pieniazek, lead ag science teacher at Frenship High School, traveled to Indianapolis to support his students. He received the Honorary American Degree, the highest honorary degree that can be given. Pieniazek said, "it's never about the ag teacher, it's always about the students." Amanda Spacek, another teacher, said the program also teaches leadership and workforce skills and includes service projects in Lubbock.
The Frenship FFA chapter, established two years ago, received a three-star national chapter rating, the highest a chapter can receive. The National FFA Organization rates less than 10% of chapters nationwide. Chapter member Arlea Margic said the recognition was rewarding. Pieniazek said fewer people are entering farming and that students are needed to lead efforts to grow crops and feed a growing population.