- Order Now!!! VYPE Oklahoma Announces the 2020 Pigskin Preview
- VOTE NOW! Which NEOK Area Track Athlete Should We Feature Next? – Presented by NE Tech (Poll Ends 5/11)
- VOTE NOW! Which Bartlesville Area Track Athlete Should We Feature Next? – Presented by Excel Physical Therapy (Poll Ends 5/11)
- Fairland’s Jordan Gates – Character Counts Presented By Grand Savings Bank
- Fairland’s Derric Lollar – Character Counts Presented By Grand Savings Bank
- Grove’s MaDelaine Heffelman – Athlete Spotlight Presented By Grove Dental Associates
- Ketchum’s Kody Starks – Athlete Spotlight Presented By Grove Dental Associates
- Dewey’s Brynn Ripey – Cheer Spotlight Presented By Tulsa Bone & Joint Bartlesville
- Nowata’s Dillon Barnes – Athlete Spotlight Presented By Arvest Bank
- Barnsdall’s Emma Galligher – Athlete Spotlight Presented By Darin Hall AllState Insurance Agent
Miami’s Josie Hayes – FFA Spotlight Presented by Oklahoma AgCredit
- Updated: August 26, 2019
Miami High School’s Josie Hayes has been involved in FFA for two years. Given her family history, it was a perfect fit. “My family has been involved in agriculture for four generations, so it was a natural fit for me,” said Hayes. “I began my show career at age five with my very own bucket calf and proceeded to advance my show career by exhibiting goats, sheep, and pigs. I also wanted to participate in public speaking, and I knew FFA would be a great avenue to pursue that goal.”
Hayes is currently the Miami Chapter President, which requires responsibility and gives her great opportunities to lead, even though she is only entering her sophomore year. “I know as I serve this year I have to lead by example, encourage members to participate, and motivate my fellow officers,” she said. “I am looking forward to the year ahead of me with enthusiasm and can’t wait to see what our officers and chapter can accomplish.”
Hayes is a proud supporter of FFA and encourages any fellow student who may be interested to join. “There is not a better organization you can join if you’re wanting to gain leadership skills, obtain personal growth, and make friendships that with last a lifetime,” she said. “What I’ve enjoyed most about my time in FFA is the memories I’ve made. I will forever cherish the connections I’ve made with the dozens of people I’ve met through FFA. These friendships and connections are really what make this organization so amazing. I know that if I ever need anything, I have hundreds of people in the blue and gold ready to help me when I need it.”
Hayes shows pigs and says it is her favorite thing to do. Some of her best memories in FFA include her closest supporters. “What I love most about it is seeing my hard work pay off, whether it be in the show ring winning a class or at home getting a baby pig broke,” she said. “My favorite memory is winning Reserve Grand Champion at my county fair and right after I shook the judges’ hands seeing my Papa’s face. He was so pound and happy for me it really melted my heart.”
After high school, Hayes plans to attend Oklahoma State University as a pre-vet major and go to veterinary school, then open her own clinic.