Zane Abouzahr

Stillwater High School

Not many student-athletes can say they have participated in two sports at school (cross country and swimming), serves on the mock trial team and is a member of the FFA chapter, but that’s exactly what Stillwater High School junior Zane Abouzahr can claim.

The junior first got involved in FFA when he was in middle school.

“I first got involved in FFA when I enrolled in my first agriculture class during my eighth-grade year. One of my friends who took the class recommended it to me because I had no prior interest in agriculture. It was the same year I raised backyard chickens for my supervised agriculture experience project, got my first cat, and began raising large aquarium tanks at home,” said Abouzahr.

As a member of the FFA chapter, Abouzahr said he enjoys being around his classmates, just like he enjoys being around his teammates.

“Throughout my FFA experience, I enjoyed the friends I made on the quiz bowl team along with others who had similar interests in agriculture as I did. Whenever I was on the swim team, I loved the people around me and how we cheered each other on regardless of our performance. I also love talking with my friends on long runs in cross country and track. I love my teammates, especially the seniors I witness graduate every year that have kept me motivated from the beginning I joined the team,” said Abouzahr.

Zane said he would recommend other students give FFA a try.

“I recommend FFA to anyone considering a career in agriculture or who enjoys learning through hands-on experience. That may mean showing an animal, giving a speech, or even spreading knowledge of agriculture to others,” said Abouzahr.

The junior said he will attend college after high school and is considering majoring in agricultural engineering and he aspires to be a veterinarian.

Abouzahr said his sister has been a big influence in his life.

“A big influence in my life is my sister Lenna who always makes me laugh and motivates me to aim high,” said Abouzahr.