Held this past February 11th, Tomball ISD conducted its 11th annual Special Rodeo! The FFA programs, along with special services, collaborate to create this iconic event, ensuring that volunteers and students get an experience that will never be forgotten. Hosted at the Tomball ISD Agricultural Center, the Special Rodeo invites students of all ages who are part of the special education program to participate in various educational activities and games that help them learn about livestock animals as well as agriculture.
The events at the rodeo are set in rotational stations, allowing everyone a chance to participate in the many activities provided. The games and experiences consisted of a petting zoo, pin the tail on the pig, fishing, horseshoes, a ring toss, stick horse racing, and roping dummies. These stations are organized and manned by the FFA student volunteers who do their best to create an exciting and engaging learning adventure for the student participants.
First-time volunteer, freshman Meganne Winkelmann, is thankful for the opportunity and experience she gained volunteering at the rodeo. “This is my first time volunteering for the Special Rodeo. Initially I had no clue what to expect; obviously I’ve never done this, but once they got it explained to us, it was a lot of fun. The kids we worked with had fun, and it was just a fun day overall,” Winkelmann said. “Something I’ve learned from this experience is definitely that you should always just try new things because I had no clue what I was going to do going into it, but I had fun, and I learned a whole lot.” The lessons learned from the rodeo aren’t only about agriculture but also about the importance of compassion and community. All students who volunteer share similar sentiments about their time volunteering.
Julia Moore, junior FFA volunteer, appreciates the time spent with the student participants. “It’s always nice to see their faces light up whenever they see you help them,” Moore said. “I like cheering them on; it’s really nice to see how happy they get and how excited they are that they’re there.” The chance to give back to the community is what encourages many of the volunteers to return year after year.
Returning volunteers like Junior Josiah Haughton value helping and learning with the students. “My favorite part is to just like to help, especially these kids, and know that they’re having fun doing this. It makes me motivated to keep coming back and helping,” Haughton said. “It’s good to help other people and let them keep going and know that they have a part in the school too.”
The Special Rodeo is a cherished part of the Tomball community and will continue to thrive thanks to the remarkable staff, volunteers, and participants that make it what it is.
