From raising pigs and a lamb to studying different bug species, senior Jeffrey Morphis has experienced the many hands-on opportunities provided by the FFA program.

Morphis has been a member of FFA for the last five years and has competed in many different categories including Entomology, Chapter Conducting, Cattle Judging, FFA Quiz, Swine Skillathon and Prepared Public Speaking.

“I really love Entomology,” Morphis said. “It’s a lot of fun going through a room of bugs and being able to differentiate between a Viceroy butterfly from a monarch. It’s also kind of fun to get reactions out of people when you tell them you’re on the bug team.”

With multiple categories and competitions each year, Morphis said that the environment in FFA is both competitive and supportive.

“[The environment] is rather competitive at times, but that’s not a bad thing,” Morphis said. “We all have to help each other constantly, whether that’s by giving a shot to a sick pig, helping others fill out award applications or giving reasons as to why you placed a class of heifers the way you did. [We} all want each other to succeed.”

This year, Morphis participated in many competitions, including Area, where he placed eighth in the individual quiz contest, as well as the Swine Skillathon at the State Fair of Texas in October, where he placed 12th in the state. Along with these ranks, Morphis said that he enjoyed cheering on his teammates at the National FFA Convention for the National Creed Speaking Contest.

“FFA has given me a place to call home,” Morphis said. “Throughout elementary and middle school, I never had a sport to play or a club to be in. That changed when I joined FFA.”

Morphis will be attending West Texas A&M starting in the fall, where he plans on studying Agriculture Education in order to become a high school Agriculture teacher after he graduates.

“My former Ag teacher, Mr. Jack, made me want to be an Ag teacher,” Morphis said. “He made a difference to me and I want to be able to have that kind of influence on others.” 

Mophis said that while he will miss Cedar Park, he is looking forward to college. 

“I’ve lived in the same house my whole life and I’m ready to experience something new,” Morphis said. “I’m going to miss the barn. I’m going to miss my friends. Nobody I know from Cedar Park is going to WT, so it’ll be different starting all over again.”

For someone just joining FFA, Morphis said that it is important to enjoy every moment in the program. 

“Take in every moment and enjoy it for what it’s worth,” Morphis said. “There are a lot of things we can do through FFA that others never get to experience. Be grateful to those around you and live in the moment.”