Owasso FFA: Bringing Smiles and Inclusiveness To Our Community
By Alexia Sang
We all have those moments in our lives that stick with us where we felt a sense of accomplishment and pride. Whether it was at your last sporting event where the crowd was cheering you on or that time your teacher told you good job after you nailed that presentation, we’ve all had at least one moment where we got the spotlight. For kids participating in the Special Olympics, the Owasso FFA Unified Livestock Show is a moment for them to shine; it’s their turn to get the spotlight.
AJ showing a sheep with Owasso FFA member Kara Wells
Photo taken by Alexia Sang.
David Turner, one of the Agricultural Education teachers at Owasso High School who organized the show, states, “When we call out their name, and the stands erupt in applause, the look on the kids’ faces is priceless. Some of them might not know what they did, but they know it’s for them, and everyone deserves a moment like that.”
The show is held in the Owasso FFA show ring and has occurred once a year for the last decade. The event is small, but that doesn’t stop it from having a big impact.
“They may not be at OYE [Oklahoma Youth Expo] winning grand champion in front of five to six thousand people, but in our ring they will always get a round of applause,”
Turner explains, “It’s their moment in the spotlight, which can do a lot for someone’s self-esteem.”
Macie Bence showing her hog
photo taken by Alexia Sang
Not only does the Unified Livestock Show benefit those participating, but the event has an impact on everyone able to attend. Every year members of the Owasso FFA Chapter help organize and run the show, volunteering their time to help give these kids an opportunity to be the center of attention.
Turner shares, “Other than seeing the kid’s smiles, my second favorite part of having this event is seeing what it does to our own FFA members. Seeing that selflessness come through in these young kids is something that makes me tear up just thinking about it.”
This yearly event is something that anyone in the community can contribute to, and it’s a chance for our community to encourage inclusiveness and bring smiles to those who may need it most.
Turner explains, “It’s a chance for the community to come together because whether you’re supporting one of those families or you are one of those families, it’s a sense of togetherness, and that’s exactly why we call it the Unified Livestock Show.”
Turner goes on to explain that he has a personal connection to the show saying, “My son has down syndrome, so I know what it’s like for those kids and families to have an event like this, and the joy on everyone’s faces is truly remarkable.”
Catherine Yankee showing a sheep with her para
photo taken by Alexia Sang
Having a child with special needs, Turner knows firsthand the impact this event can have. He explains, “These kids battle with difficulties every day, but for this one night, they are no different than everyone else. ”
The Unified Livestock Show is a hidden gem in our community that most people are unaware of, but it’s something that both participants and FFA members look forward to each year. The chapter takes no profit from the event, and everyone who runs it is a volunteer, but the volunteers attest that the smiles the event brings are worth more than the time and money it takes to put on the event.
When asked if the show will continue to happen in years to come, Turner reassured that the event wasn’t stopping any time soon.
He concludes, “It will always be one of those staple events that our chapter puts on every year, and every year we’ll be thinking about how to make it bigger and better for these kids.”