Longview High School senior Brynn Woods, an accomplished member of the Longview FFA Chapter, earned Grand Champion honors in the State Fair of Texas Job Interview Contest, standing out among top competitors from across the state.
The contest challenged students to demonstrate real-world career readiness through a rigorous application and interview process. Participants submitted a job description, cover letter and résumé before advancing to in-person interviews with industry professionals in Dallas. The top 31 students competed in multiple rounds, including a written follow-up letter and final interview with a branch manager from a local recruiting firm.
Woods earned the Grand Champion title, receiving a college scholarship, a championship buckle, and a banner. Her achievement also earned her recognition as a Big Tex Scholar, honoring leadership, professionalism and academic achievement.
“I was shocked because I went into that contest expecting nothing to come from it, and then to win the whole thing was surreal,” Woods said. “My advice for anyone wanting to try something new is do not count yourself out — because you never know what can happen.”
Woods has been a member of Longview FFA for five years and serves as both a chapter officer and area officer, representing more than 100 schools across Northeast Texas. She has attended Longview ISD for six years and is also active in the National Honor Society, the Texas Bank and Trust Student Board, and the Longview ISD Student Advisory Board.
“Brynn represents the best of Longview ISD — a student who leads with confidence, humility and purpose,” said Dr. Marla Sheppard, Longview ISD superintendent. “Her success is a reflection of her hard work and of the strong opportunities provided through our award-winning agricultural science and FFA programs.”
The Longview FFA Chapter is one of the most recognized programs in the nation, with more than 1,300 active members, making it the largest FFA chapter in the United States. Students gain hands-on leadership and career training through agriculture, business, and technical education, preparing them for college and future careers.
“The strength of Longview FFA comes from students like Brynn, who are willing to challenge themselves,” said Cyler Frost, Longview FFA chapter advisor. “Her accomplishment at the State Fair shows how our students take classroom learning and apply it at the highest levels.”