Growing up around agriculture made joining the National FFA Organization a natural choice for Kayden Duncan. “My family has always been very agricultural based. They were my main source of encouragement to join FFA.” A senior at Altus High School, Kayden is currently her chapter’s vice president.
Kayden strongly encourages others to join and become involved in FFA. “FFA is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. There are endless opportunities. If you want to have a good time while also bettering yourself, FFA is the place for you. My favorite part about FFA is the family and community that comes with it. I’ve met some of my closest friends through FFA,” she says.
Kayden joined FFA in the eighth grade and has found many opportunities available through the organization. She is most active in showing swine, shooting sports, quiz bowl and veterinary science.
“Every memory I have made in the show barn is my favorite. Even if some of those days were tough or long, the lessons I learned from them will stick with me forever,” she says, “when I think of the show barn I think of endless things like family, friends, laughter, work, learning and competition. Those things have been my fuel for the past 14 years of showing pigs and I am forever grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to experience them.”
Every time Kayden steps into the show ring her dad says, ‘Go have fun!’ “While this might just seem like a simple three words, it always gets me into the right mindset. I sometimes tend to take things too seriously, especially showing, so having that reminder to have fun and make the most of it has always been important,” says Kayden.
Juggling school activities can be difficult for busy students. “When I had just started high school, I did struggle to balance FFA and school. As time went on, I figured out how to allocate my time to where both FFA and school were getting equal attention and time,” she says.
Last year’s chapter president, Gracen Hawthorne set a good example for managing school and activities. “Gracen was the busiest person I’ve ever met. She had so much going on her senior year but she always made sure that she always gave 100% when it came to the officer team.”
Kayden’s biggest inspiration is her ag teacher, Mr. Farquhar. “He has supported me through my showing career for years, even before I joined the FFA. He always puts his best foot forward and is in a good mood, no matter the situation. He has pushed me to be greater than I ever imagined myself to be. For that, I will be forever grateful to him.”
Kayden wants to thank Mr. Farquhar, Mrs. Davis, Ms. Dunham, Mr. Stafford and her family for their countless hours and support.
