Emerson McElroy

Idabel High School

It was during her freshman year when Idabel High School’s Emerson McElroy joined the FFA chapter at school thanks to the encouragement of the Ag teacher.

“My AG teacher, Mr. McClure, told me that I should try poultry judging. I was a little skeptical in the beginning, but I am very glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried something new,” said McElroy. “While poultry judging was a lot of fun, my favorite thing about FFA was getting to try new things with my friends that are also involved in this organization.”

This year McElroy is looking to get involved in more activities in FFA and around campus. McElroy is a member of the varsity cheer team and other clubs at school.

“Along with FFA, I am a varsity cheerleader, class president, student council parliamentarian, FCCLA vice president of community service, secretary of the Idabel Junior Chamber of Commerce, and a member of Poptime. I am also the anchor for the Warrior Nation news,” said McElroy.

As a cheerleader, McElroy said she loves being on the field under the Friday night lights.

“My absolute favorite thing about cheering are the Friday night lights! I love the atmosphere, getting to cheer for my Warriors, and getting to share the sidelines with my friends and cheer buddies. I began cheering in seventh grade and haven’t stopped since. The thing I love most about my teammates is their work ethic. When we’re in practice, working on stunts for example, they don’t have a problem with learning something new and if it doesn’t work the first time, they try again without complaint,” said McElroy.

Finding inspiration is not a difficult task for McElroy.

“My dance teacher, Miss Tara, inspires me as an athlete and as a person. She has shown me that you don’t need to win the top spot to be the best, you just have to try your hardest and put forth the effort,” said McElroy.

The sophomore said anyone interested in FFA should give it a try.

“I would tell them to just go for it. You only have four years of high school, so get involved in whatever you can. Who knows, you may be like me and end up loving it.” Once her high school days come to an end, McElroy said she would like to attend college at Oklahoma State University and major in communications with the hope of becoming a new anchor