Sulphur High School junior Kristen Walck is one busy student. She is currently serving as FFA chapter secretary, and she is involved in the volunteer work the chapter does outside of school. If that wasn’t enough, she also plays both seasons of softball, fast and slow pitch, all while tending to her animals. 

“I first got involved in FFA my eighth grade year. I did start showing before FFA through 4-H Club,” said Walck. “We have always had cows and horses at the house. My sisters use to show them so once I was old enough, I began doing the local Murray County horse show every year and fell in love with livestock.  

For Walck, being part of the FFA and raising livestock is in her DNA. 

“I enjoy getting to show my sheep with Yellow and Blue on, along with the conventions and outings with my chapter,” said Walck. “When I was in 4-H I showed my horse at the Murray County Horse show, then I began showing sheep in the sixth grade and have been hooked ever since.”

Walck said her father has been a big influence in her life, in and out of FFA.

“He has been there and supported me through my whole 4-H and FFA career. Taught me right from wrong and is always pushing me to do better. He is the one that has been there and helped me do everything with my livestock including help feed lambs to help me work the animals,” said Walck. 

As second baseman for the softball team, Walck must stay on her toes and be ready for anything. Same goes for raising livestock. Once done with high school, Walck plans to attend college at Oklahoma State where she will continue her education. She offers this advice for anyone interested in the FFA.

“FFA can take you anywhere you want. You can weld, learn to garden, anything you can imagine. FFA prepares you to be self-sufficient entering the world after high school. You just have to go for it and try it,” said Walck.