courtesy photo
Senior FFA member, Olivia McFadden, is set to attend the National FFA Convention on Oct. 29 through Oct. 31 in Indianapolis, IN.
“This award is based on her job, for the last four years, as an equine trainer,” FFA adviser Amanda Underwood said. “A lot of time, dedication and work ethic has gone into receiving this award.”
McFadden has been competing for the National Equine Proficiency Award since April. She has been named District, Area and State Champion and advanced to Nationals in July where she was selected as a Top 4 National Finalist out of 50 state champions for this award. Only 3% of FFA chapters in the nation get this level of honor, and only 15 schools in Texas were selected.
“It’s insane to see students competing on the national level,” Underwood said. “What an amazing group of students White Oak has.”
McFadden has dedicated years to equine management, and her success outside of the classroom is finally being recognized. She is excited about the doors that this recognition will open for her in the future.
“I’m definitely a little intimidated but also excited,” McFadden said. “Last year, I prayed a prayer asking God for my success to be recognized outside of school, and God really showed up after that. I won district, area and state, then made it as a Top 4 National Finalists. I am nervous, but I know that this was all God, and excited because I wouldn’t be on that stage without Him.”