When Arlington ISD’s FFA hosted its first-ever multi-contest Career Development Event this spring, it brought together not only students from across the district, but generations of Arlington ISD alumni, too.
What began as a simple idea last spring turned into a major regional event thanks to partnerships with Cowtown Coliseum and Fort Worth Nature Center, led by Arlington High School FFA alumni.
Tim Long and John Bennett, Arlington High Class of 1980, were both deeply involved in FFA during their time as students, so their enthusiasm for supporting today’s students came naturally.
“The students in the FFA program are our future,” said John Bennett, director of operations at Cowtown Coliseum. “Arlington ISD has shown its commitment to the students by continuing to expand the vocational program, and for these reasons, I feel it’s my responsibility to support however I can.”
The Cowtown Coliseum donated its venue space free of charge, providing a space to host livestock judging, poultry judging, and floriculture in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards.
“Partnering with Arlington FFA for this judging contest is special to me because Arlington High School and FFA helped shape who I am today,” said Tim Long, general manager at Cowtown Coliseum. “Serving as FFA president taught me leadership, hard work, and responsibility, and this is an opportunity to give back while supporting the next generation of students.”
The momentum created by Cowtown Coliseum’s support didn’t stop there. Arlington FFA alumni continued to step forward, bringing a shared commitment to expanding real‑world opportunities for today’s students.
Jared Hall, Arlington High Class of 2012, was a four-year member of the wildlife team and currently works as a supervisor and wildlife biologist for the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge. Hall and his team offered to host the wildlife and entomology contests at no cost and assisted with contest preparation.
“I participated in these FFA contests during my time as a student at Arlington High School,” Hall said. “Looking back, I now realize how pivotal those experiences were for my future. These contests help cultivate scientific curiosity, environmental stewardship, and the conservation leaders needed for the future.”
The event at Cowtown and Fort Worth Nature Center hosted 328 students from 39 different schools in North Texas and surrounding areas, giving students access to authentic, hands-on learning and mentors who once stood exactly where they are now.
“Students are using what they learn in the classroom and putting that into real-world applications, setting them up for success well after their time in high school,” said Tanner Smith, FFA advisor at Arlington High School. “The Cowtown and Fort Worth Nature Center partnerships took their experience to the next level.”