The Live Like Johnny Organization, a Jacksboro, Texas nonprofit organization, has announced the eight recipients of its 2017 “Jackets From Johnny” program. The program rewards deserving Texas FFA with a new and personalized jacket— a signature component of the FFA brand. Students were selected from Perrin, Paradise, Jacksboro and Iowa Park FFA chapters and represent the more than 119,000 Texas FFA members.
Live Like Johnny Organization (LLJ) Board Member, Aaron Alejandro describes the importance of the jacket as “The jacket levels the playing field. When you zip it up no one knows your background, social status, or popularity- they see that you belong. The legacy of the jacket doesn’t rest in the corduroy, it’s in the actions of those who take on the responsibility of wearing it.”
The jacket awards program has its roots in the selfless service of the organization’s namesake, former Jacksboro FFA member Johnny Callan, who assumed the responsibility of purchasing FFA jackets for deserving students who demonstrated a need. The students selected were vetted through a competitive application process that looked beyond standard academic achievement, using a values-based approach to examining need paired with achievement and service.
“The academic and extracurricular accomplishments this group has demonstrated are absolutely remarkable,” said LLJ executive director Kerri LeDoux. “They exemplify the qualities the Live Like Johnny Organization values: persistence, determination, a love of serving others, and a desire to help FFA members find their place of inclusion and acceptance. We have high hopes for each jacket recipient. We know that John would be proud.”
Perrin FFA
Mel Wilson
Jesse Hernandez
Jacksboro FFA
Tabor Dunn
Drew Brite
Paradise FFA
Dori Skogberg
Iowa Park FFA
Mikayla Robertson
Morgan Robertson
Billy Pearson
