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Texas FFA Ford Leadership Scholars Program
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For seven years, The Ford Motor Company, Texas Ford Dealers, Texas FFA Association, and the Texas FFA Foundation have partnered together to produce and host the remarkable leadership experience called the Texas FFA Ford Leadership Scholars Program.
Each year, the Ford Leadership Scholars (FLS) program selects ten new scholars from across Texas. GWHS senior, Laney Mosley, was one of the ten students selected. The scholars kicked off their summer training program this past June. The training included early mornings, long nights, and challenging tasks, and included pushing Scholars beyond their personal and professional limits to achieve amazing results. From developing a mission statement, to competing against each other in developmental tasks, the scholars prepared for their culminating event of presenting their 360 degree marketing plan for a new product to Ford Motor Company. The Scholars were charged with transferring those learned skills to a year-long service project to be implemented in their respective communities. Scholars were assigned a mentor to support them during the establishment through the design and completion of the service project.
Laney Mosley’s idea for a project came to her shortly after the George West community lost a special young man, Reagan Lyne, in an accident. Laney wanted to do something positive in memory of Reagan, and so, she set out to establish an endowed scholarship for at least one GWHS graduating senior each year. The scholarship is called “feaRLess” which references one of Reagan’s personality traits. Reagan’s initials are emphasized in the name.
Mosley began to create opportunities for businesses and individuals to support the cause. Funds will continue to be solicited throughout the spring and up until the first scholarship is awarded in May.
In addition to the scholarship, Mosley created a service day, “feaRLess in favor” – a special day at the Live Oak Nursing Center, Genesis. Over 50 students spent a morning reading stories, playing games such as golf, dominoes, 21, and even painting the ladies’ fingernails. They sang and danced with the residents, but more importantly, the George West students spent time talking and listening to them.
Mosley presented her project, as did the other Scholars, at the FFA Ford Leadership Scholars Gala and Expo at the La Quinta Riverwalk in San Antonio this past weekend. Scholars created their project displays and presented the details of their project to guests and dignitaries. Following the Expo, guests attended a banquet and heard from Texas FFA and Ford’s top leadership. Keynote speaker, Dr. Tobin Redwine, Texas A&M, spoke to the audience about a values-driven life—focusing on love and purpose. Additionally, guests were greeted by Aaron Alejandro, Texas FFA Association, Mitchell Dale, Texas Ford Dealer, Tom Maynard, Texas FFA Association, and Larry Gach, Regional Sales Manager, Ford Motor Company. Mr. Gach shared “There is not any one of these students, that I wouldn’t offer a job at Ford Motor Company RIGHT NOW!”
Throughout the night, Scholars were challenged to maintain the training that they had been taught and to continue a lifetime of growth. They were challenged to hold closely, the Ford Scholars tenants of action, relationships, vision, character, awareness, and continuous improvement. Above all, they were challenged to exert positive influence on their communities and to look for unique ways to live exceptionally.
The Scholars were formally recognized and awarded their certificates of program completion.
Robin Sellman, mentor for Mosley during the process, shared that Mosley worked hard in the development and implementation of the project. “Laney’s heart was in this project from Day 1. It was all about honoring one of honoring students of GWISD.” Sellman explained that Mosley encountered some unexpected hurdles during the process. There were some scheduling conflicts, among other hurdles, and not all of the details of the plan fell into place. Sometimes, Mosley had to back up, revise, and redirect. Sellman continued, “I think one of the greatest life lessons Laney learned through this process is that, like in life, sometimes things don’t work out. You have to come up with Plan B, and sometimes Plan C or D. That’s what I admired most about Laney during this journey.” Sellman explained that Mosely never gave up. “This was more than just “a project” for which she was required to do. feaRLess is a purpose she believes in.”
When asked why Mosley selected her project, she responded, “A George West student, Reagan Lyne, passed away in a tragic accident. He was very special to our community. He was smart, athletic, and a friend to everyone. I attended his memorial service, and as I listened to his close friends and family speak about him, a sense of purpose flooded my heart. The word “feaRLess” that most everyone used to describe Reagan that day, spoke to me. I knew right then and there that this is what my project needed to be centered around. I knew that I needed to honor a student that my community loved so dearly. I knew that being a Ford Scholar was a perfect opportunity for me to accomplish this.”
Reagan’s memory will live in the hearts of those in George West, and Laney Mosley’s work to establish a scholarship will have an impact on students for years to come.
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