After spending time in the 4-H Club and being encouraged to join FFA, Waynoka High School sophomore Hunter Durkee made the commitment to be part of the FFA program when he was in the eighth grade. 

“I was already a member of our local 4-H Club and saw FFA as a way to expand on the areas I enjoyed the most. My parents have always encouraged me to participate in any activities I am interested in and my FFA advisor, Chad Blocker, encourages me in everything I do,” said Durkee. 

A very active member of FFA, Durkee said there are a lot of things he enjoys about being part of a great program like FFA.

“My favorite things about FFA are all the places I get to go and the friends I have made. My favorite activity is livestock judging. Myself along with my three other team members attend several camps, contests, and workouts each year,” said Durkee. “I am Waynoka’s current treasurer and held the office of chaplain last year. I am a member of both the livestock judging team and the show team. I have attended alumni camp, leadership conferences, and several judging camps and have decided to give a speech this year. My SAE project is meat goats.” 

Showing goats and other livestock is something he truly loves to do. 

“I have shown goats for the past four years and showed pigs for three years before that. Exhibiting livestock is fun, but it’s also hard work,” Durkee said. “Other than FFA, I am a member of the baseball, basketball, and track teams. I am also a member of the First Baptist Church youth group.” 

Playing for the basketball team at Waynoka is another aspect of high school life that Durkee enjoys. 

“My favorite thing about playing basketball is my team. I also play baseball and throw shotput and discus for track,” said Durkee. “Just being a team, cheering each other on in our successes, and picking each other up on days that aren’t our best.”