Varsity basketball player Jake Forehand first joined the McAlester FFA chapter when he was a freshman in high school. It was his father who encouraged him to join the FFA and Forehand said his friends in FFA have made it a special time of his high school career.

“My friends in FFA is what I enjoyed most,” said Forehand. “I do not show animals, but I supported my buddies who did show.”

Forehand said anyone interested in FFA should give it a try.

“Have fun with it because you will meet some of your best friends in FFA,” said Forehand.

The four-year varsity basketball player said he must give thanks to his father for always supporting him.

“My dad has been my biggest role model and supporter and I’ll always be in debt to how great he has always been to me,” said Forehand.

As for athletics, Forehand said his teammates are more like brothers to him.

“I loved my team the most and having that feeling of always having people to rely on and be like brothers to me. They are always there for me,” said Forehand.

The senior plans to attend college and pursue a business degree.