Jake Smith enjoys shooting trap in the FFA (Future Farmers of America) program at Blackwell High School. The 2022 senior says his favorite subject in school is Ag. Whether working in the shop or going to competitions, he is all for it. His favorite thing about FFA is showing livestock and going to the state convention. He actually got to be a part of the national convention which he recalls as his favorite memory so far.

Blackwell High teacher and FFA advisor Cheyene Bergman had nothing but praise for Smith as she admires his work ethic and dedication to his community.  

“Jake is a hard-working student who prioritizes his family and education,” said Bergman. “He’s a student who has grown and matured exponentially in the three years I have had the pleasure to be around him. He is a student who works hard at home on the farm and is shaping his future to come back to his hometown to a career in dairy farming. Blackwell is lucky to have hard working, intelligent kids like Jake who are passionate about coming home after seeking higher education.”

It is this commitment to his hometown that is special to Smith. He and other Blackwell FFA members have been involved in community service projects and the “Children’s Christmas Store” for the Blackwell Area Chamber of Commerce which allows kids to purchase gifts for their families with help from others. 

Smith looks up to his father as a role model “because of how hard he works,” he said. He plans to continue helping his father even after he graduates high school where his plan is to attend Northern Oklahoma College to study Ag business and then start a farm of his own.