Current vice president of the FFA chapter at Carnegie High School, Kaitlyn Knauss also plays on the varsity softball team.
Knauss said she got her start in FFA like many of her peers.
“I started FFA when I was in 8th grade. I have been the Carnegie chapters Vice president for the last two years,” Knauss said. “I have grown up around agriculture my entire life and I never had a second thought about joining my school’s FFA chapter.”
As a member of the chapter, Knauss said she loves being involved in FFFA and she makes the most of every opportunity she gets.
“The best thing about FFA is meeting people from all over Oklahoma. I have met so many friends at speech contests, leadership camps, and officer training events. FFA has greatly improved my public speaking ability and has encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone,” Knauss said. “My favorite thing is going to speech contests. Although I definitely don’t place at every competition I go too, it’s great to meet students and adults from all over Oklahoma with different agricultural backgrounds.”
A left fielder for the softball team, Knauss said she works hard to improve her game.
“I have improved a lot over my high school career. This is the best season we have had yet. I think this will be a great year for us,” said Knauss. “I have been playing softball since T-ball age. I have learned how to work hard and stay determined no matter the score. The teammates I have are the best and we have made so many great memories through the years.”
Softball and FFA are not the only activities Knauss is involved in. She is the current Miss Carnegie, a member of student council, and National Honor Society.
“I am also a member of National Technical Honor society. I am an FCA officer at my school. I am a cheerleader for both football and basketball. I am an officer for my HOSA group at CKTC, I also attend the Biomedical program at CKTC,” said Knauss.
Her advice to anyone interested in FFA?
“I would say that FFA is a great organization to get your name out there! There are so many scholarship opportunities and relationships that can be built through this organization. It’s great for improving your public speaking skills, and there is truly something for everybody in this organization,” said Knauss. The junior said her parents have been a big inspiration in her life and have taught her the value of hard work. Her plans include attending Oklahoma State University to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine when she is done with high school.
