The Arlington High School FFA Wildlife Team wrapped up another competitive wildlife season with a trip to the State Wildlife Contest in Nacogdoches in April. But it also marked the final season for three Arlington High School seniors who have led the team to the state meet every year they have competed.
The trio is leaving behind a lasting legacy.
Seniors Spencer Doughty, Morgan Jones, and Zach Bastas achieved a rare level of consistency and excellence by reaching the state level every year, as they capitalized on the strength of Arlington ISD’s agricultural science pathways and the opportunities available through career and technical education.
“Students in Arlington FFA have endless opportunities to grow outside of the classroom,” said Tanner Smith, Arlington High School FFA advisor. “They learn how to effectively public speak, how to answer questions about the topics they studied, and work together as a team to learn and present a script.”
These hands-on experiences help students discover pathways they might not have realized were available to them, opening new doors to future careers.
For Doughty, the wildlife contest led to a career path. He plans to attend Tarleton State University to study wildlife sustainability and ecosystems sciences.
“Being a first generation college student means a lot to me because I’m setting a new path for my family, and Arlington High School helped me get there through FFA and agriculture programs that helped me find my passion,” Doughty said.
Jones and Bastas have both decided to attend Texas A&M University this fall. Morgan will study animal science and zoology, and Bastas is going to major in finance.
“FFA has taught me many social and responsibility lessons that will help me excel in my future career, being able to talk confidently and know how to put my name out there,” Bastas said.
Over the past few years, these students have had the opportunity to see every region of Texas while studying the wildlife across the state.
“I am so proud of them and so lucky to have been able to spend countless hours coaching these three and traveling the state,” Smith said.
The seniors said the encouragement from the campus agricultural science teachers and staff have been a driving force behind their team’s success.
“My FFA advisors have been the most supportive people in my high school career,” Jones said. “I am grateful for the clear and continuous guidance my teachers have offered me, giving me endless advice as I work to navigate this new chapter of my life.”
As the three seniors move on, Arlington FFA will continue for the next generation.
“As coach Peach always says, ‘Leave a legacy,’” Smith said. “These three have done just that – left their legacy here at AHS and for the future wildlife teams to come!”