Youth News
Rashele Blakely of Oologah FFA Wins 2009 State Star in Agribusiness
Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:55:50 CDT
For Oologah FFA member Rashele Blakely, entrepreneurship has led to a wealth of experience, knowledge and the 2009 State Star in Agribusiness award.
Rashele Blakley's entrepreneurial successes include operating her own greenhouse as well as raising goats and cattle, and they have earned her one of Oklahoma FFA's highest honors.
Blakley's Supervised Agricultural Experience program was rated the best agribusiness program among the 684 FFA members who received the State FFA Degree during the 83rd annual State FFA Convention on April 29. In addition to the honors, Blakley received the Governor's Trophy as well as a $2,000 cash award sponsored by Blue & Gold Sausage Co.
Blakley gained experience in the greenhouse business at an early age.
"Ever since I was little, I've been going to the farmers' markets with my mother, and it's always been something I thought was really neat," Blakley said. "When I got in high school, FFA really opened up the opportunities for me, and I thought I could really run with this."
At age 12, Blakley began saving money to purchase her own greenhouse. She also assists with her family's livestock operation.
Blakley said she attributes much of her success to her family and Oklahoma FFA.
"Being raised on a very diverse, fifth-generation farming and ranching operation, I always had the feeling that I would somehow play a part in the sixth generation and would help carry that tradition forward in today's ever-changing world," Blakley said. "However, I did not realize how much agricultural education and the FFA would benefit me in my quest to achieve this goal."
Blakley said she is thankful for the recognition and experiences FFA have given her.
"Although one is never sure of what the future holds, I am looking forward to the rest of my FFA career," Blakley said. "I feel confident that my involvement in agricultural education and the FFA will be a guiding light for my future and a basket of memories and friendships from my past."
The 18-year-old Oologah FFA member is the daughter of Lyle and Rae Blakley. Her agricultural education instructor and advisor is Rob Harper.
The State Star also continues a Blakley family tradition. Her father earned the 1984 State Star Farmer award and went on to earn a Western Region Star Farmer award at the National FFA Convention in 1986.
Click on the video play button under the Video Pane below for our highlights of Rashele Blakely and her program that has earned her the State Star in Agribusiness.
right-click here to download video
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