Aaron Chesnut, a junior at Rush Springs High School, was in middle school when he first joined the FFA.

“I was 13 years old and in the eighth grade when I joined FFA. A couple of senior FFA officers encouraged me to join, so I did,” said Chesnut.

During his time in the program, Chesnut said he has taken the opportunity to participate in as many activities as he could including shooting sports and showing livestock.

“I am involved in archery, sporting clays, livestock showing, national proficiency contests, environmental sciences/natural resources competitions, Ag mechanics competitions and state talent competitions,” said Chesnut.

Showing a breeding livestock is something he takes very serious. But it’s not the only thing he enjoys about FFA.

“I breed and show Chester White show pigs in my own personal barn,” said Chesnut. “I enjoy the networking and meeting new people the most out of anything in the FFA, especially as an officer.”

Away from FFA, Chesnut competes with the academic team, serves as an officer in National Honor Society, plays baseball, football and runs cross country.

As a member of the baseball team, Chesnut said he is excited to see what the season will hold.

“The thing I love the most about being on our baseball team is that it is my favorite sport and I absolutely love playing the game. Our team has an amazing opportunity this year to be good and very successful,” said Chesnut.

Chesnut said his father has been the biggest influence in his life and a role model for him to follow.

“I am a member of my church’s worship arts team and enjoy helping my father train hunting dogs. After school I would like to go to college and major in wildlife ecology and journalism while playing college baseball,” said Chesnut.