When you live in Altus, the term military brat is common. Someone who is growing up with parents who are serving in the military. For Altus High School senior Hayleigh Buckner, being a military brat is just part of her story. She is a member of multiple sports teams and is a member of the FFA chapter.
“I was the Altus Bulldog mascot this school year, Miss Bulldog. I was in track last year for Altus and I am currently on my second year of basketball for Altus,” said Buckner.
Getting involved in school activities is something Buckner has done throughout her time in middle and high school.
“I have always heard about Ag my whole life because my mom went to the Chicago High School of Agriculture Sciences. When I graduated the eighth grade, I attended the Chicago High School of Agriculture Sciences and became an FFA officer my freshman year,” said Buckner. “The fact that I went to an Ag school in Chicago really made me want to join. I wanted to be a leader in my school. My mother also gave me no choice. She said one thing she wished she had done in high school was to become an officer and she never did. Because of that I have been involved in FFA for four years.”
Like being on a sports team, the FFA has provided Buckner with great experiences and challenges.
“I enjoy having a second family. I love my FFA family. When you wear that blue jacket, you wear it forever and you will never forget your family. I have been on two wonderful officer teams. The Chicago Ag Sciences team and the Altus officer team and I love both. I’m really blessed to be able to have experienced both,” said Buckner. “Last year I gave speeches and this year I will show a pig. I am also on the Parliamentary Procedure Team.”
Her pig, a York named Piggie Smalls, get plenty of her attention in preparation for showing. Same goes for the teams she plays for at Altus High School.
“I love being coached by coach Terbush. She makes me a better person. My overall game, attitude, and the way I carry and respect my self has grown because of coach Terbush and my other three coaches. She holds all of us accountable and wants the best for us. The fact that this is my last year with her makes me really sad,” said Buckner. “I love my teammates more than anything. They are my sisters. We are family. With it just being me and my dad in a house I really don’t see my other siblings that live with my mom. My teammates and their moms make me feel like I’m part of their family. They have taken me in as one of theirs.”
The senior has plenty of options for her future once she becomes a graduate. “Honestly, I have many options as to what I want to do. I might go play college basketball if I make it that far and major in nursing or go to the Air Force like mom and dad,” said Buckner.
