Eufaula High School’s Caleigh Rippy first got involved in FFA when she was in the eighth grade like many of her peers. One of her first activities was the opening and closing ceremonies and her involvement in FFA took off from there.
Initially it was a pair of teachers who encouraged her to join FFA.
“My ag teachers at the time, Mr. Ridley and Mr. Woodruff, really pushed me to be involved in FFA,” said Rippy.
Rippy also had an older brother who she looks up to and wanted to be involved in everything he was doing, such as FFA.
“The biggest influence in my life is definitely my family. I only have one sibling, an older brother, and growing up I wanted to do everything he wanted to do and be just like him. He joined FFA in high school and that’s really what made me want to join in the first place. My mom has always been my best friend and mentor throughout every situation I’ve gone through. My dad has influenced me to be a hard worker and helped me grow up on the idea of when you do a job, do it to your full potential. They’ve all influenced me to strive to be a better person every day and live each day for Jesus,” said Rippy.
Now the senior is excited to enter her final year of high school and spend it with the friends she has made in FFA.
“The thing that I enjoy the most about FFA is without a doubt the people you meet and experiences you have with them. Some of the best experiences I’ve ever had were with people I had known a total of 18 hours. People in FFA are just genuine and encouraging, and definitely the best people to be around,” said Rippy.
Rippy is currently involved in prepared public speaking, chapter office, and rangeland judging. She did show goats for two years but is making new plans for her senior year.
Rippy is also involved in student leadership and is the current manager of the varsity softball team.
The senior offers this advice to other students who are looking for a place to belong.
“The advice I would give to a student who may be considering joining FFA would be to just do it and to be active in it. FFA opens so many opportunities and encompasses so many life-changing and unforgettable experiences,” said Rippy.
