Get to Know: Grace Ritter, Lufkin High School Agriculture Science Teacher! Grace Ritter is from Nome, Texas, where she was highly involved in FFA, serving in leadership roles at the chapter, district, and area levels. Her passion for agriculture led her to Texas A&M University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science.
While at Texas A&M, Grace further committed to the agriculture industry by competing on the Texas A&M Horse Judging Team, where she and her team earned the AQHA Champion Team Award in 2021. She also served as President of the Texas Aggie CattleWomen organization during her time at the university.
Outside of teaching, Grace continues to raise registered Brahman cattle, demonstrating her ongoing dedication to the agriculture field.
Grace has been a tremendous asset to Lufkin ISD and the Lufkin High School team. We look forward to the great things she will accomplish for the district and the agriculture program.
Lufkin ISD Communication Specialist, Kaitlin Smith, sat down with Grace for a Q&A session to learn more about Grace, her teaching role, expectations for the LHS Ag Department, and more! Read below to get to know Grace Ritter a little better!
Q: What was your favorite part about FFA?
A: Connections & Networking
Q: What educational or career opportunities most shaped you as an ag teacher?
A: Working at the Swine and Poultry Centers at Texas A&M in research and production. Then I worked in the industry as a processor for a meat company.
Q: What do you currently teach at Lufkin High School?
A: Livestock Production, Small Animal Management, & Equine Science
Q: What led you to choose Lufkin ISD? What stood out?
A: I wanted to get back to a small town. What stood out about Lufkin was how supportive they were of a new ag teacher and about growing the ag program.
Q: What goals do you have for the ag program in the next few years?
A: I want to increase membership participation and involvement. I also want to update facilities to be able to offer certifications and experience.
Q: How do you involve students in hands-on or real-world learning?
A: We do "Functional Fridays", where we discuss a live topic for career success. We also have live animals demonstrations for hands-on learning, as well as, bringing in career guests to speak and present to students.
Q: What are you most looking forward to building or growing during your time at Lufkin ISD?
A: The possibility of new facilities like an ag barn and CTE building. I also look forward to opening up a new world of experiences for our students.
Q: Since being at Lufkin ISD, what have you most enjoyed about working here?
A: The staff and administration support for me and my program, like willingness to listen to new ideas and checking in on myself, the program, and our students.
Q: What's something you hope students will remember or take away for your classes?
A: No matter what industry they go into, they have a hand in the agriculture industry. I also want my students to develop skills to invest in themselves, whether it's their career and or personal life.
Q: How can students, parents, or the community best support the ag program?
A: Show up for events, we're always looking for sponsors or people for the buyers pool, and giving our students hands-on experience through internships.
