Hays County student wins Free Enterprise Speech Contest

(CORPUS CHRISTI)—A high school junior from Austin took first place and a $6,000 scholarship as winner of the 2018 Free Enterprise Speech Contest at the 85th Texas Farm Bureau Annual Meeting.

Emily Baker, daughter of Charles and Michelle Baker of Austin, topped 12 other speakers from across Texas in the annual contest.

Baker, who is homeschooled, is active president of the local 4-H club and serves as the treasurer of the American Miniature Horse Youth Association. She also exhibits miniature horses throughout the state.

She plans to attend Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in veterinary science.

Runner-up in the Dec. 1 competition and winner of a $3,000 scholarship was Cassady Craddock, a high school junior from Gunter. She is the daughter of Jay and Patricia Craddock and Marci and Brad Schnitker.

Craddock plans to attend Texas A&M University or Oklahoma State University and major in agricultural engineering.

At Gunter High School, Craddock is active in National Honor Society, FFA and enrolled in various advanced courses.

Four other finalists and winners of $2,000 scholarships were named, including Keaundra Harris of Houston County, Claire Lee of Hidalgo County, Ethan Lopez of Castro County and Kenya Narvaez of Upshur County.

The winner, runner-up and four finalists will receive an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to visit elected officials, observe Congress in session and visit historical sites.

Other contestants and winners of $1,500 scholarships were Mackenzie Burke of Austin County, Kaitlyn Cribbs of Scurry County, Matty Hohhertz of Taylor County, Brian Lowak of Wilson County, Andrew Neusch of Carson County, Jacob Pedroza of Milam County and Gabrielle Sakel of Montague County.