Some students join the FFA when they enter the eighth grade, while other seem to grow up in and around the program. Christian Lemons of Lone Grove High School is someone who grew up being around livestock and he started showing animals at a very young age.

“I’ve showed animals since I was around eight-years-old,” said Lemons. “It was my grandpa and dad who first got me involved.” 

Now a junior at Lone Grove High School, Lemons said he loves being around the great people and friends he has made while in FFA.

“The thing I enjoy most about FFA are the people I surround myself with,” said Lemons. “Just be yourself and you will find a group of people just like you in FFA.” 

Showing swine is just one of the many activities Lemons is involved in. 

“I’m also involved in shooting sports, public speaking and livestock judging,” said Lemons. “I’m also in athletics at Lone Grove and play for the football team.”

Being part of the varsity football team is something Lemons loves. 

“If I could say all I loved about football it would be a book. What I love most is that unlike other sports, football is a team sport. Without your offensive line blocking for the quarterback, you can’t make passes or get a hand-off. Without the secondary you can’t have good coverage, that’s what I love most. It takes all 11 guys on offense and defense. My teammates are the reason I wake up, being able to see everyone in the same setting is a blessing,” said Lemons. “My dad and my brother, without them I wouldn’t be the football player I am today. I was a scared kid before I started my football career, now that I started, I’m not scared of just about anything. My dad played college football at Southeastern and East Central University and my brother played football at Lone Grove and now is a baseball star at East Central.”