Klein Collins Senior Brings “We Not Me” to Life at Houston Rodeo
When Klein Collins senior Madison Towery returned to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) just one year after catching a calf in the calf scramble, she knew she wanted to do more than just show it.
Calf scramble winners are encouraged to decorate their show stalls at the HLSR to express themselves. Towery is enlisted in the Delayed Entry Program for the U.S. Marine Corps and has been for almost a year. She decided that her stall decoration was the perfect opportunity to bring some of that “we not me” thinking to NRG with her.
“I’m set to go to boot camp on June 24,” she said, “But that’s not why I decided to decorate my stall display in this way. My whole life I’ve thought that the men and women who serve our country are amazingly brave, so I wanted to set my stall up to show and spread my own support for them.”
Towery enlisted her innovative and creative skills to create a values-driven decoration. In addition to the Marine Corps motto, Semper Fi, being largely displayed in the stall, Towery also gave away toy army men and told passersby to place the plastic figures somewhere that would remind them to think about the men and women serving the country who couldn’t be at the Houston Rodeo.
“My main goal for the stall display was to just help pe ople show their support for our armed forces, but I soon realized it was a lot bigger than that, and really, a lot bigger than me,” she said.
Throughout the week that Towery’s stall display resided in the aisles of NRG, many people stopped to take a look, some to thank her, and others to tell her stories of their own military days. One woman found comfort in Towery’s display as she wept and explained that her husband was currently stationed overseas.
“I thought that it was just a small gesture at first, but hearing how inspiring it ended up being was an honor and really made my heart melt,” she said. “I didn’t expect anything big to come of it, but I’m happy to have made an impact.”
Towery believes that FFA played an essential role in providing her the tools to get to where she is today by helping her grow as a learner, as a person and as a future Marine.
“It’s not just raising animals but learning leadership roles and ways to better yourself for your future,” she said. “The life lessons FFA teaches like determination, responsibility, accountability, and many more are things I will take with me for the rest of my life.”
Danny Reaves, Towery’s Advanced Plant and Soil Science teacher, says that he couldn’t be more proud of her for developing a healthy sense of self over the years.
“She brings our Profile of a Learner to life very enthusiastically and she truly is life ready,” he said. “I’m very proud and wish her the best of luck!”
Best Public Schools in Texas
Klein ISD has an established 84-year history of excellence and innovation in education with unique pathways for EVERY student in our care to ensure learners are college, career, military, and life ready. With recognition for STEM, athletics, fine arts, and academics from highly-esteemed organizations, it is clear that Our Shared Vision of every student entering with a promise and exiting with a purpose is a reality for EVERY student who walks through our doors.
About Klein ISD
Klein ISD is a school district in Klein, Texas, located in northwestern Harris County. The district spans approximately 88 square miles and serves more than 53,000 students in 33 elementary schools, 10 intermediate campuses, one high school program of choice, and 5 high schools.
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