Varsity volleyball player Laira Whitaker is a sophomore at Hulbert High School where she is also involved in other activities including FFA.
“I first joined FFA at the beginning of my eighth-grade year,” said Whitaker. “It was my first agriculture teacher Rick Hodges who encouraged me to join.”
As a student-athlete, Whitaker said she is always focused on her grades and making the most of every opportunity she has, to represent her school in a positive way.
“I love the FFA community and my officer team, as well as just being able to help younger kids as well as classmates get involved,” said Whitaker. “I am on the volleyball and golf teams, as well as being in ROHC and SWAT. I also am a class officer and a part of Gifted and Talented.”
In FFA, Whitaker said she is involved in public speaking, something many people her age would not enjoy doing, however for Whitaker challenge herself is something she likes to do.
“I do public speaking such as opening and closing ceremonies, parliamentary procedures, creed speaking, and speeches. I also am the reporter on my high school officer team,” said Whitaker.
This year Whitaker plans to take on a new challenge this spring which is showing animals. Her animal of choice are goats. The sophomore said her parents are huge role models for her and she appreciates all they have done for her.
“Watching both of my parents work hard to have the things we have, even when times are tough has always inspired me to be like them. As well as always encouraging me and my siblings to try new things and pushing us to do our best,” said Whitaker.
As a member of the volleyball team Whitaker said pushing herself is part of the process.
“I love that there is always something to improve on and that you never know what’s going to happen on the floor when playing. And it always keeps you pushing yourself to do better,” said Whitaker. “I absolutely love my teammates and the bond that we have together. We are always there for each other on and off the court, and always know how to cheer each other up. They are always the people that I can rely on and talk to about anything.”
