b"2025 Scholarship Foundation Recipients JED THOMPSONFM Fuel and Resources,New Mexico (Marketer)HigherHouston, going on to win National educationReserve Grand Champion for himself is more thanand placing 4 thwith his team. When just earning ahis coach for the Plant Identifica-tion Team moved away, Jed stepped degree,it is an op- up into a leadership role and began portunity to developcoaching the junior team while still critical thinking skills,competing himself. This unexpected expand knowledge, andresponsibility challenged me to gain real-world experi- manage my time effectively, mentor ence that will shape myyounger students, and develop strong future. For me, pursuing a degree in Natural Resources isleadership skills, all of which have essential to achieving my goal of working in land manage- contributed to my growth and success ment, conservation, and sustainable agriculture, in academics, work, and community involvement.wrote Jed Thompson, thisThis fall Jed plans to transferyears WPMA Scholarshipto Angelo State University to recipients representing pursue his Bachelor ofNew Mexico. Science Degree in Natural Son of Scott and Ashley Resources Management. Thompson of Clyde, Texas,Growing up in a ruralJed applied for the scholar- community and being involved ship through FM Fuel &in 4-H and agricultural compe-Resources where his fathertitions, I have seen firsthand the works as a Senior Accountimportance of preserving natural Manager. Jed is a fourth- resources for future generations.generation rancher, helpingHigher education will provide manage the family ranch inme with the scientific knowledge Oplin, Texas. and hands on training needed Home schooled by his mother, Jed graduated from high schoolto make a meaningful impact on this May with a 3.91 GPA. He pushed himself in his learning andthis field. Jed's goal is to one took advantage of dual-creditday start his own drone service college classes offered throughto help farmers and ranchers Cisco College, earning himselfimprove land managementan Associate Degree of Science and productivity.in Agriculture. Jed was pro- Religious teacher Denise Gee active in his extra-curricularsays, Not only will Jed excel activities, stating, Being home- in the college setting but the schooled required a high levelcollege Jed attends will ben-of self-discipline and initiative,efit from his presence. Loyal as I had to actively seek outdedication to high standards leadership opportunities, com- and integrity have charged petitions, and extra-curricularJeds personal growth and he involvement beyond traditionalimpresses me with his steady school settings. He was anwork ethic.The WPMA active member of the local 4-HScholarship Foundation and Leaders4Life, where he isproudly supports Jed in his currently serving as Vice President. academic pursuits, confident As a part of his 4-H participation, Jed joined the Range andthat his passion, leadership, Pasture Plant Identification, and the Range evaluation team. Heand determination will serve has seen great success in local competitions in Fort Worth andhimand the land he lovesS well in the years ahead.WPMA News / Summer 202513"