Thanks to the encouragement of her father, Chloe Kelsey of Tecumseh High School officially got started in FFA as soon as it was available to her.

“My father, Michael Kelsey, was the biggest encourager to get me started in FFA, and he is still the biggest encourager to this day,” said Kelsey. “If I’m being completely honest, I’ve always been involved in FFA through my siblings. I would have done anything to get a jacket of my own, and as soon as I could, I signed up. I’ve been involved in FFA for the past five years.”

Someone as close to FFA as Kelsey knows what the program has to offer its participants. Kelsey was eager to get involved with many of the activities.

“I love it all. I probably enjoy speech contests the most. Whether it’s the conversation on the long drives or seeing and meeting all the amazing people in this organization, I truly love every single one of the speech contests,” said Kelsey. “Within my chapter I am involved in many activities including chapter leadership, currently serving as Chapter Secretary. I show cattle, give speeches, and judge livestock. This year I am hoping to join the Agricultural communications team, to compete in the spring.”

Kelsey has shown cattle for the past five years and is excited to have two more coming this spring.

“I will be showing Jepthan, my market steer, and Hera, my commercial heifer, this year,” Kelsey said.

When she’s not working her livestock or in class, you can find Kelsey at the Gordon Cooper Technology Center.

“I am currently completing my second year at Gordon Cooper Technology Center in order to graduate with my license in cosmetology. GCTC has given me the opportunity, through SkillsUSA, to serve as parliamentarian for the school this past year and to run for president this coming year,” Kelsey said. “I have been a Tecumseh varsity volleyball player for the past three years and served as captain the past two years. When I graduate, I will be licensed in cosmetology and head off to Stillwater Oklahoma to be a Cowboy. I would like a degree in Business but have recently been exploring a degree in Animal Science.”

Kelsey said her mother has been a big influence in her life.

“A big influence in my life has been my mother, Tonya Kelsey. My mom came to everything, and with four kids that wasn’t an easy task. She is a role model for me as a person

wife and mother, but mainly as a Christian. Overall, she is a complete role model for the person I strive to be,” said Kelsey.