As the school year approaches, student-athletes like Emma Loree of Perkins-Tryon High School are busy preparing for the fastpitch softball season and the coming FFA year. Loree got her start in FFA when she entered the eighth grade. “I started 4H when I was in sixth grade and then transition to FFA when I entered eighth grade. My friends, Jolie Perry, and Raegan Miner, first sparked my interest but I couldn’t have done it without my parents’ support. They have been my biggest fans and encouraged me every step of the way,” said Loree.
As a member of the FFA chapter at Perkins-Tryon HS, Loree said she enjoys showing livestock. “I currently show goats and participate in cattle grading and land judging. I was also on the opening and closing ceremonies team, judging team, and Creed team. I breed, raise, and show goats,” said Loree. Also a member of the varsity fastpitch softball team, Loree said after missing last season, she is excited to get back on the field with her teammates and pitch again.
“After missing all of last year due to a shoulder injury and surgery I am excited for the entire season and being back on the dirt with my teammates! Our game against Stillwater is one that I am looking forward to since we haven’t played them before. Now a junior, Loree said she enjoys being around her teammates and competing with them.
“Knowing that we have each other’s back and support each other win or lose,” said Loree. Loree offers this advice to anyone interested in FFA and what the program has to offer. “If anyone is interested in
joining FFA I would encourage them to get involved and give it a try! There are so many different things you can participate in that doesn’t involve showing animals,” said Loree.
