By Derrick Smith
Kassidee Cathey is in her fourth year as a member of the Future Farmers of America program. She loves all the different aspects of the program, but if it was not for one person, she probably would not have joined the group.
!– /22198608069/body –>“My brother Kason is the reason I am in FFA,” she said. “Watching him grow not only as a person but as a leader truly inspired me. Kason found a passion in Ag that has inspired him to major in an agricultural field. I could not be more proud and honored to be his little sister and to have him as a role model. There are many others that have inspired me and pushed me to be where I am. My mom, Melissa and dad, Kelly as well as my Ag teacher Mrs. Stallman have pushed me, believed in me and inspired me every stop of the way.”
Kassidee is a senior at Jones high school. During her four years in the program, she has been a member of the officer team for three of those. She has served as sentinel, vice-president, and is currently the chapter president.
Over her time in teh program, Cathay has learned about more than just animals. She has also acquired many life lessons that will help her long after high school.
“There are so many things that I have learned through FFA,” she said. “By showing animals I have learned time management, patience, hard work, and dedication. Outside of showing, FFA has taught me how to face conflict, problem solve, understand the differences in people, how to be a better leader, to listen and not always speak and it has helped me improve on my public speaking skills.”
Cathey has had a lot of memorable experiences while she has been in the program. Out of all of them, she says that there are a few that stand out as her favorite.
“FFA has brought me so many memories,” she stated. “But I would have to say getting the opportunity to go to the National Convention with the officer team and walk across the stage to receive our two-star chapter award has to be one of my favorites.”