Texico FFA to tackle Curry County project

A group of Texico High School students are planning a fair project that will last for years to come.

During Tuesday’s Curry County Commission meeting, members discussed an approximate $15,000 request for purchase of a double-faced, illuminated sign from an Albuquerque company. The price included installation at the East Brady Avenue entrance to the Curry County Fairgrounds.

As the discussion continued, Commissioner Robert Thornton suggested Texico’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) students tackle creation of the 10-foot by 12-foot sign instead.

“I have spoken with the local FFA chapter and that’s a project they could possibly do through their metals lab,” he said. “Those guys are very good. It gives our young people an opportunity to be a part of something they can point to 40 years from now and say they built it. They won every award at the Curry County Fair, the state fair and have an excellent program. They can do all kind of designs. It’s computer generated and can be powder coated, so it’ll last forever. We can get these young people involved and save some money, too.”

Terry Whitener is the Agricultural Mechanics instructor at Texico High School.

“In talking with Commissioner Thornton, we thought it would be a great idea to utilize the creativity and talents of these students, who have been laser focused on honing their welding talents over the years,” he said. “It’s a great way for them to get involved in the community and take ownership of something that could stand 30, 40, 50 years.”

Whitener said within the next couple of weeks students ranging in grade from sophomores to seniors will craft a series of designs and present them to commission members — which will be followed by the build phase.

Whitener said the students would not be responsible for installing the sign.

“We use the PlasmaCAM software and also have the torch cutting table that allows us to go from design to implementation,” he said. “Basically, we design on the computer what we want cut and once the final decision is made, we lay the steel on table. The computer operates the torch and cuts the shapes you want. The kids will fabricate the brackets and produce all of the other metal work. They’re going to be the boss on this, from start to finish.”

During the county fair the architectural mechanics students have exhibited projects, Whitener said, ranging from livestock and fuel transport trailers and rabbit hutches, to fire pits, benches, tool racks and goat roping chutes.

“When they compete, they’ve done very well,” he said. “The kids have walked away with grand champion overall honors and a lot of first, second and third place awards and it’s been the same at the state level in Albuquerque. This program builds character, hands-on skills, critical thinking skills and mathematics proficiency.”

Commissioners voted unanimously to solicit the aid of the Texico students instead of making the purchase from Albuquerque.

“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for our kids,” Commission Vice Chair Angelina Baca said.