Vinita’s McKinzie McAffrey – FFA Spotlight Presented by Oklahoma AgCredit Vinita

By Derrick Smith

The Future Farmers of America can sometimes be a family tradition. And that is just the case for Vinita’s Mckinzie McAffrey.

“Both of my parents showed when they were in school,” she said. “I also grew up showing animals. My mom was an officer for the chapter when she was in high school,  and she was very involved with FFA.”

Mckinzie is a junior at Vinita High School, where she has been a member of the FFA program for three years. While in the program, she has shown cattle, pigs, and goats.

The Vinita chapter is different from other chapters, and that is what McAffrey enjoys the most.

“The diversity of the chapter is what I like best because most people think of it as cows, plows, and sals but none of that is true,” she said. “We do many things that’s most chapters don’t. We have a catering team, as well as a food truck. And we also have fishing team and many other things that the kids can participate in.”

There have been many things that she has learned from the program, but there are some key things that will stay with her after she is finished with high school. “I have learned responsibility, leadership, and social skills. I will be able to use those for the rest of my life.”

McAffrey has also received her fair share of awards. The list includes The Payton Taylor Memorial Award, FFA Pride Award, Outstanding Member Award, Star Discovery, Outstanding Creed Presenter, Highpoint Individual in Forestry, and Highpoint Individual in Livestock Judging.

She has had many great times while in FFA, but McKinzie says that connections made are her favorite memories. “One of my favorite memories will always be the friendships that I have made throughout the years.”

The advice that Mckinzie has for someone thinking about joining is easy, just take the opportunity. “I would tell them to take every opportunity you can get and trust me joining the FFA gives you a lot of opportunities. And enjoy every little moment of it because it passes by fast.”