The Cuero ISD Education Foundation is proud to present the Clarence & Alva Arndt Agricultural Scholarship, a tribute to two lifelong farmers whose dedication to the land and community has left a lasting legacy.
Established to support students who demonstrate a sincere commitment to agriculture, this scholarship honors the hard work and values of Clarence and Alva Arndt.
The Arndts: A Legacy Rooted in Agriculture
Clarence and Alva Arndt were born and raised in DeWitt County, where they lived their entire lives. Clarence, a third-generation farmer of German descent, began his farming journey in 1940 at the tender age of 15. Alongside his father and siblings, he toiled in the fields, planting cotton, corn, and maize. His commitment to the land was unwavering, and in 1947, he married Alva Leubert. Together, they sharecropped approximately 500 acres, working tirelessly to cultivate and improve the land.
In 1957, Clarence and Alva purchased 215 acres in the Westhoff area. The land required extensive care and clearing, but the Arndts embraced the challenge. Over the years, they transformed the land, raising chickens, sheep, hogs, cattle, and various other livestock. They grew their own fruits and vegetables and butchered their livestock, truly living off the land. From 1960 to 1990, their primary income came from their hog business, feeding 600-700 hogs per day. Clarence's registered Duroc and Hampshire hogs won numerous championships at local stock shows.
Overcoming Challenges and Adapting
When the hog markets in Nixon and Gonzales closed, Clarence and Alva faced new challenges. They began shipping their hogs out of state and dealt with an influx of wild hogs damaging their crops. In response, they planted improved grasses and transitioned to raising cattle and custom hay baling as their main sources of income.
Clarence's dedication to soil conservation earned him several awards, including the Conservation Comeback Farmer in 1959 and the Outstanding Soil Conservation Award in 1964. He was also honored as an Honorary Chapter Farmer by Cuero's FFA in 1974-75 and named Outstanding Farmer/Rancher by the DeWitt County Soil & Water Conservation District in 1982.
A Lifetime of Commitment
Clarence continued to work the land until 2015 when, at the age of 90, it became too difficult for him to climb into his "upgraded" air-conditioned cab tractor. Alva, his lifelong partner and right hand, stood by his side for over 70 years of marriage. Their Christian faith, nurtured at St. John Lutheran Church in Lindenau, guided them through life's challenges. Together, they raised three children, Denise, Randall, and Michael, all of whom graduated from Cuero High School.
More Than a Scholarship
The Clarence & Alva Arndt Agricultural Scholarship is a tribute to a lifetime of hard work and dedication to agriculture. It represents the heart and soul of what it means to be a farmer, celebrating those who tirelessly dedicate themselves to cultivating the land and supporting their communities.
By applying for this scholarship, students become part of a legacy that values perseverance, character, and a deep connection to the land—a legacy that Clarence and Alva Arndt exemplified throughout their lives.
Past Recipients
Past recipients of the Clarence & Alva Arndt Agricultural Scholarship include Tyler Nerada, Kastin Heinold, Kaden Simon, and Bennett Janssen. These individuals have demonstrated a deep commitment to agriculture and embody the values of hard work, dedication, and community that Clarence and Alva Arndt cherished.
Enabling Excellence: The Cuero ISD Education Foundation
Founded in 2002 as a 501(c)(3) organization, the Cuero ISD Education Foundation is committed to fostering educational excellence. By generating and distributing financial resources that extend beyond traditional school funding, the foundation plays a crucial role in empowering students and educators alike, cultivating a dynamic and thriving educational environment.
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