Dawson Killen

Crandall ISD began 2020 strong by formally launching Shepherds of Hope, a student-led program that teaches students about animals and animal care, while prioritizing the therapeutic benefits that animals have on the social-emotional well-being of students.

CISD hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Jan. 22 to honor those involved. Formally founded in spring 2018 by Crandall graduate Dawson Killen as part of his Ford Leadership Scholarship, Shepherds of Hope began programming in January 2020.

“Shepherds of Hope will educate students about the importance of agriculture and provide them with a sense of love, community and hope through natural healing,” said Killen. “We are blessed to raise the support needed within the school district and community to make this vision a reality.”

Developed as a partnership between Wilson Elementary, Dietz Elementary and the Crandall ISD FFA program, each lesson is targeted at a different aspect of animal care, while allowing younger students to benefit from the proximity to gentle animals.

“Our students will immediately benefit from working with these animals,” said District Behavior Specialist, Jennifer Phillips. “They will develop empathy, resilience, self-awareness and improve self-esteem by witnessing how their actions have an impact on other living things.”

The Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) defined social-emotional learning more than two decades ago. According to their research, 83% of students who attended schools with a solid Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program, had academic gains, and the average gain on standardized testing was 11%.

CISD looks forward to years of success with this program. 

Crandall Alumni, Dawson Killen, tells us more about the program here.

1) Why did you create Shepherds of Hope?

Shepherds of Hope was established in 2018 with the help of many influential people. During that time, I was selected to be a Texas FFA Ford Leadership Scholar, which is a program within Texas FFA that enables and supports 10 Texas FFA members to create and establish their own community service project within their home community. After the conclusion of our intensive training program, I was paired with my mentor Mrs. Nancy Minchillo who helped me satisfy the Ford Scholar program requirements. 

 2) How did you come up with the idea?

The ideas that eventually resulted in Shepherds of Hope were rooted in the needs and qualities of Crandall. As someone who grew up in the Crandall area since a young age, I recognized the growth that our community was experiencing in terms of size and population. I wanted to pursue an idea that could unify people, share the importance of agriculture, and also provide meaningful experiences to students within Crandall ISD with diverse backgrounds. 

3) How do you feel that the FFA program prepared you for Shepherds of Hope?

Without FFA, I would not have been able to even pursue the idea of Shepherds of Hope. The Texas FFA Ford Leadership Scholar program provided me with the training, resources, relationships, and experiences that were essential in establishing this community service project.  

4) How have you been spending your time since graduating from Crandall High School?

Since graduation from Crandall High School, I have spent my time as a student at Texas A&M University. I am studying agricultural economics, along with minors in soil and crop science and finance. At Texas A&M, I am involved with student government and I volunteer with Christian ministries. 

 5) How do you feel that the FFA program prepared you for what you are doing now?

FFA is such a beneficial organization for students to be involved with. All students can find a place within FFA to gain meaningful skills, build relationships, find their passions, and grow as a leader. Without my experiences within Crandall FFA, my time as a Ford Leadership Scholar, and my time serving as a Texas FFA State Officer, I would not be anywhere close to where I am today in terms of experiences and career preparation.  

6) Is there anything else you would like to add?

The mission of Shepherds of Hope is to provide at-risk and special needs students an opportunity to establish roots in agriculture in order to learn and grow. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported our program including my agricultural science teachers Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Hoggatt, Ms. Feinberg, and Ms. Hempel. Also, a special thank you to all current Crandall High School students who assist with the program, including Anna Hiser who operates the program on a day to day basis.