For Woodward High School senior Mackenzie McIlvain, FFA has grown into far more than a requirement connected to showing livestock. It has become a place to lead, compete, serve, and represent her community with pride.
McIlvain, who also attends the health careers program at High Plains Technology Center, is the Woodward FFA president. Her involvement stretches across many areas of the chapter, including shooting sports, sheep showing, livestock judging, public speaking, career development events, and community service.
“I am involved in several things in FFA, first being I am the FFA President, so I help to run and serve our FFA program. I am also on the shooting sports team; I show sheep, livestock judge, participate in public speaking and several CDE contests, as well as community service.”
Her FFA journey began because of her connection to livestock, but the organization quickly offered more than she expected.
“I decided to join FFA because I was already showing livestock and had to be in Ag. I didn’t realize how much more I would get out of FFA than just showing.”
Through FFA, McIlvain has developed leadership skills while learning the value of being visible and involved in the Woodward community. She sees the blue jacket as an opportunity to set an example for younger students and to help others understand the role agriculture plays in everyday life.
“To me, representing my school and community through FFA means being a positive role model and showing others what FFA truly is. I want to represent my school and community by being involved, helping others, and taking pride in everything I do. I also believe that being an FFA member means sharing what I learn with others and helping people understand the importance of agriculture and leadership. Wherever I go, I want my actions to reflect positively on my school, my community, and my FFA chapter.”
One of McIlvain’s favorite FFA memories came during the spring, when Woodward’s shooting sports team captured the state trap shoot championship.
“My favorite memory in FFA was when our shooting team won the state trap shoot this past spring.”
McIlvain credits her parents and Bailey Kafka among her biggest role models, especially because of Kafka’s commitment to serving others.
“Some of my biggest role models are my parents and Bailey Kafka, because of how much she goes above and beyond for our community.”
She also recognizes the impact of former geometry teacher Mrs. Clem, whose encouragement helped build confidence and responsibility.
“The teacher that has had the most impact on me was my geometry teacher freshman year, Mrs. Clem. She was always happy to see me and to hear about the latest stock show or shooting contest. Mrs. Clem’s class challenged me and helped me to grow more responsible.”
Driven by competition and a desire to improve, McIlvain continues to pursue new goals while leading Woodward FFA.
“What motivates me the most is when I’m under intense pressure and competition with myself to always try to do better than my previous accomplishment.”
