Gabbie Anthony of Thackerville High School has a busy year ahead. She is a member of the softball team (both seasons) as well as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council, National Honor Society, and serves as the boys and girls manager for the basketball teams all while participating and serving in FFA.
“The chapter activities I am involved in are our livestock judging team, opening ceremony competitions, officer team, and showing team. I am currently serving as the Reporter of our Thackerville FFA Chapter,” said Anthony.
She first got involved in FFA while still in middle school thanks to some encouragement from teachers and friends.
“I first got involved in 4-H going into my fourth-grade year at Thackerville Elementary. Later, I joined FFA when I went into my eighth-grade year. During my eight-grade year I served as Secretary of our FFA Chapter Officer Team,” Anthony said. “The people that encouraged me and got me involved in FFA were my Ag teacher, Brandon Upton, and my cousin Cameron Shurbet, in addition to my parents, uncle, and many family friends who continue to support me in my FFA career.”
Anthony said being part of the FFA chapter has taught her many lessons as well as being part of the softball team and athletics in general.
“The things I enjoy most about being in FFA are the life lessons I continue to learn and the people I have met through being in this organization,” Anthony said. “The things I love most about being on the softball team are the memories I’ve made, and the strong bonds created between me and my teammates. I played basketball into my freshman year but chose to give it up so I could focus more on my livestock and other FFA activities.”
Anthony does show livestock including swine and breeds like cross, hampshires and berks.
If that wasn’t impressive enough, she also takes concurrent courses at East Central University.
“I plan to further my education at Connors State College. I want to major in Agriscience. I plan to get my basics at Connor’s and finish my major at Oklahoma State University. I hope to be on the livestock judging team at both colleges,” said Anthony.
She offers this advice to anyone wanting to join FFA.
“The advice that I would give to someone who is considering joining FFA would be, “Go for it!” FFA opens the doors to so many opportunities and potential future career possibilities. The lessons you learn can be carried into your future life experiences. If someone isn’t interested in showing, there are so many other beneficial FFA activities which may include debate, judging, growing crops, welding, and more.”
