Alumni Spotlight: Katie Lewandowski & Megan Smith

Alumni Spotlight: Coming Full Circle for the 50th Tomball FFA Project Show

Katie (Weinberg) Lewandowski (THS, ‘07) and Megan (Vaculin) Smith (THS, ‘13)

This year’s Tomball FFA Project Show marks a milestone—50 years of tradition, student growth, and community support—and few stories reflect that legacy more clearly than those of Katie Lewandowski and Megan Smith.

Both ladies are proud graduates of Tomball High School who now serve as agriculture teachers and FFA advisors at Tomball Memorial High School, helping lead the very show that once shaped their own journeys as students.

Katie (Weinberg) Lewandowski, a 2007 THS graduate, attended Tomball Junior High and Tomball High School and spent all four years competing in the Tomball FFA Project Show. She raised and showed heifers, pigs, and turkeys—experiences that built the foundation for her future in agriculture education. One of her most memorable moments came her senior year when she earned Swine Showmanship honors.

“FFA has had an everlasting impact on who I am and what I’ve accomplished,” Lewandowski said as she reflected on the impact. “It taught me to be hardworking, dedicated, and competitive—the phrase ‘hard work pays off’ truly rings true.”

She also recalls being part of the first Tomball dairy cattle team to advance to the State FFA contest, an experience that reinforced the power of teamwork and high expectations—values she now passes on to her students.

Megan (Vaculin) Smith, a 2013 THS graduate, has deep roots in Tomball ISD, having attended Tomball Elementary, Benkendorf Intermediate, Tomball Junior High, and Tomball High School. Her involvement began even earlier as a member of Tomball Junior FFA from the age of nine, before completing four years in the high school program. Over time, her projects expanded to include broilers, turkeys, pigs, and steers.

One of Smith’s proudest achievements came her senior year when she earned Champion Steer Showmanship—an honor that still resonates today. 

“Showmanship was and still is one of my favorite parts of showing,” she said. “It’s based on the relationship you’ve built with your animal and your ability to show that animal’s best attributes in the ring.” 

Inspired by early exposure to agriculture—Lewandowski growing up on a farm and Smith as the daughter of a Hall of Fame ag teacher—both ladies knew FFA would play a lasting role in their lives.

Today, Lewandowski is in her 14th year of teaching, having started her career at Tomball Memorial High School in 2012. Smith is in her ninth year of teaching, eight of which have been in Tomball ISD, after beginning her career at Cy-Falls High School. Now, as colleagues and advisors at Tomball Memorial, they help lead the Tomball FFA Project Show during its 50th anniversary year, guiding students through an event that represents the heart of the community.

Returning to Tomball ISD has been deeply meaningful for both educators. 

“Most people can’t say they do what I do in the same district they attended as a student,” Lewandowski said. “It creates an easy way to relate to my students and inspire them to get more involved.”

For Smith, the experience feels like home. 

“Getting to our show every year and speaking to buyers who were buyers when I showed is such an awesome feeling,” she shared. “Even though this town has grown so much, it’s still a small town when it comes to this show and this sale.”

For these two educators, watching students compete in the Tomball FFA Project Show—especially during this milestone year—brings pride and perspective. 

“This is the best district livestock program around—hands down,” Lewandowski said. “Tomball ISD offers so many opportunities that allow students to make money while learning critical skills like responsibility, time management, and dedication.”

Smith echoed that sentiment, adding, “Seeing these students grow year after year is so fulfilling. Having been in their shoes helps me support them through both the exciting moments and the hard days.”

As Tomball FFA celebrates 50 years of the Project Show, Lewandowski and Smith believe its success continues to come down to one thing: community. From alumni and families to buyers and district leadership, the support of Tomball remains as strong today as it was decades ago.

Their message to students is simple and sincere: “Take every opportunity the FFA has to offer,” Lewandowski encouraged. Smith added, “Listen to the advice you’re given—you never know the impact a few simple words can make.”

Together, they represent the past, present, and future of Tomball FFA—proof that the lessons learned in the barn and the show ring continue to shape leaders for generations.