Nimitz High School Senior Makes History With Award Winning Steer

One Nimitz High School senior is the talk of the town after making history during the annual Aldine ISD FFA Livestock Show.

Angel Allen, Nimitz High School senior and Nimitz FFA Chaplin, made history as the first African American woman to receive Grand Champion Steer at the 61st annual Aldine ISD FFA Livestock Show. In 61 years, Allen became the first to hold the title at her campus and at the district level. 

“I was shocked,” Allen said.

When asked how did it feel to know that you were the first African American woman to receive the highest achievement in all 61 years, Allen was left speechless. Allen was even more excited when she realized she made history during Black History Month.

“I couldn’t believe I won first place, and then on top of that I made history. It was a lot to take in.”

FFA has been an indispensable organization for many students and focuses on preparing students for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture.

This wasn’t Allen’s first rodeo. Allen has participated in FFA since she was a freshman. The soft-spoken senior saw FFA as a challenge. Angel admits she is very shy and does not like to speak in front of others. A huge portion of the FFA curriculum is to develop individuals’ potential and help them discover their talent through hands-on experiences. This meant Allen, would have to conquer her fear of public speaking.  

Allen loves animals and was excited for an opportunity to raise her own. Over the last four years, she has raised, chickens, lambs, goats, pigs, and steers. 

“Most of our students come into FFA without any knowledge of raising animals,” Olivia Sippy, Nimitz High School agriculture teacher explained. “I have watched Angel grow into a great leader during the last four years, and I am extremely proud of her and her accomplishments.” 

Allen raised her award-winning steer Butterscotch for a total of 9 months to prepare for the competition. During the livestock show Sale of Champions, Butterscotch was auctioned off for a grand total of $16,500. Allen expressed she would be utilizing the money earned during the show for college in the fall. Allen will be attending her dream school, Tarleton State University to major in agricultural studies.