For Altus High School senior Kenzie Abernathy, FFA is more than an extracurricular activity. It is a connection to her family’s agricultural roots, a place to develop new skills and friendships, and an opportunity to represent the community she loves.

Coming from a family of farmers, Abernathy said agriculture has always played an important role in her life. Joining FFA was a natural step, allowing her to pursue interests that had long been part of her home and family experiences.

“FFA has always been so influential in my life,” Abernathy said.

Her involvement reaches across several areas of the organization. Abernathy shows steers, competes in archery, and occasionally gives speeches. Each activity has given her a different way to grow, whether through the responsibility required in the show ring, the focus needed for archery, or the confidence built by speaking in front of others.

One of her favorite FFA memories came at the Oklahoma Youth Expo. Abernathy earned breed champion honors, a meaningful accomplishment that became even more memorable when she got to ride in a limousine as part of the experience.

“Winning breed at Oklahoma Youth Expo and riding in the limo” stands out as her favorite moment in FFA so far, she said.

The lessons learned through agriculture and competition carry into every part of Abernathy’s life. She is also involved in cheer and tennis at Altus, sports that require patience, dedication, and consistent effort. Her approach is simple but powerful: progress matters more than perfection.

“I think a lot of times people don’t realize practice makes progress, not perfection,” Abernathy said.

That mindset helped her celebrate one of the top athletic highlights of her career when the Altus cheer team finished second in Class 5A Game Day State. The achievement was rewarding not only because of the result, but because of the opportunity to share it with her teammates.

Abernathy draws motivation from her faith in Jesus Christ and from her coaches. She also credits her brothers as major role models, saying they have taught her to keep trying through difficult times and reminded her that people are there to support her, even when they may not always show it.

Representing Altus means a great deal to Abernathy. Whether she is showing a steer, competing with her team, or supporting her school, she wants others to see the strength of the Altus community.

“It means a lot to represent my school in a way to show that we are all one big community,” Abernathy said. “There is always a shoulder to lean on and people to make proud.”