The countdown is on as Hempstead High School FFA students prepare to showcase months of hard work, dedication, and hands-on learning at the annual FFA Project Show on February 20-21 at the Waller County Fairgrounds. With February also marking Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, this event highlights the valuable skills students gain through FFA, including responsibility, public speaking, and real-world agricultural experience.
The Road to the Project Show
For many students, the journey to the Project Show begins months in advance. Whether raising livestock, building agricultural mechanics projects, or preparing other exhibits, participants commit to daily care, practice, and preparation. From early morning feedings to late-night barn check-ins, these students experience firsthand what it takes to be dedicated exhibitors. 
This is not Garret Kwiatkowsk’s, senior FFA student, first experience with raising animals. This is his seventh year raising a pig and his 10th year showing livestock.
“Raising animals is a big responsibility, but it helps you stay disciplined,” Kwiatkowski said. “Even in the rain and cold, you have to feed and care for the animals.”
Like many other FFA students, Kwiatkowski balances a busy schedule of academics and athletics.
“Although it is a lot of work and time, I enjoy staying busy.”
Beyond animal care and project construction, FFA students develop critical life skills that prepare them for success beyond high school.
Before running off to baseball practice, James Smith, a 9th-grade student showing rabbits at the project show, stopped by the ag barn to check on his rabbits and heifer.
Smith began this season raising a steer, but in a turn of events, he will now be showing rabbits at the Project Show and raising a heifer for the Waller County Fair.
"Raising an animal teaches you so much about responsibility and patience," Smith said. "Agriculture is more than just farming. It teaches you about life."
Beyond hands-on experience with animals, students also develop skills that prepare them for leadership and public speaking.
Public speaking is a major component of the Project Show, as students must present their projects to judges and answer questions confidently. Learning to speak in front of an audience and explain their work helps them gain courage and leadership abilities that will serve them well in any career path. 
Senior FFA student Elleri Bazan is in her third year showing animals. This year she is showing a goat and rabbits.
“Coming to the ag barn to take care of my animals is a time for me to decompress,” Bazan said. “When I first joined FFA I quickly learned that I wanted to do this for the rest of my life.
After graduating from high school, Bazan wants to study to become a veterinarian.
"FFA has made me more responsible, encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, and helped me develop communication skills that I will use in college and my career."
How to Participate in the Show & Auction
The Project Show kicks off at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 20, giving the community a chance to see the students' hard work firsthand.
The excitement continues on Friday, February 21, with the Buyers Dinner at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Indoor Auction at 7 p.m. at the Waller County Fairgrounds on FM 359.
Community members and local businesses are encouraged to support these students by attending the auction, bidding on projects, or making add-on contributions to exhibitors. Every bid represents an investment in the student's education and future endeavors.
For those interested in participating as buyers, registering at the event or contacting the FFA department in advance ensures a smooth experience. Contact Shelby Spiess at spiesss@hempsteadisd.org for more information.
Rae’unna George, a 9th-grade FFA student showing a goat, explained, “When I first started showing, I thought it was easy, but I quickly learned it is difficult. “ You have to take time to practice with your animals and prepare them for showing.” 
George expressed that her favorite thing to do is spend time with her goat, Jamal, and pray for him and his growth and progress.
As the final days before the Project Show come and go, Hempstead FFA students are feeding, grooming, practicing, and perfecting their skills. When it is time for them to shine, they will be ready to prove that FFA isn’t just about raising animals. It’s about building character, confidence, and careers.
Sebastian Guevara, a 9th-grade student, will be showing rabbits for the first time at the Project Show. 
“I don’t know what to expect on the day of the show, but I know I am growing with my animals," Guevara said. “I would encourage students thinking about participating in FFA to join. I am enjoying my experience.”
Don’t miss the opportunity to support these outstanding students and see the future of agriculture in action.