Many teenagers strive to get the most out of their high school years. They do so by joining multiple clubs, playing sports, and going to football games. Now imagine doing all of these things while maintaining a high GPA and taking college/honors classes; this is the reality of senior McCartney Miller.

Miller has a hand in almost everything on campus. She’s senior Class President, National Honor Society Historian, a varsity volleyball player, and a very active member in Future Farmers of America (FFA). She uses most of her free time to take care of her animals.

“Between showing animals, playing volleyball, and keeping up with my school work, I have no extra time,” Miller said. “But now that volleyball season is over, I’m focusing on school and my animals. Outside of school is the same thing, if I’m not doing homework I’m spending time working with my animals and going to shows to exhibit them with my family.”

FFA is an organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership, many students join the club to work with animals, as is the case with Miller.

“The main reason I joined FFA is to show livestock,” Miller said. “I started showing pigs in the second grade, I was a member of Orange County 4-H through the eighth grade, and joined LCM FFA in the ninth grade so that I could continue showing. I’ve been involved with it throughout all of high school.”

Even with her hectic school schedule, Miller said she still has big plans with her livestock this year.

“This year I plan to show five pigs and two steers through March,” Miller said. “I will be participating in shows in San Antonio, Houston, Austin and Beaumont, along with small weekend shows throughout the year.”

Although Miller doesn’t see a career future in agriculture, she plans on continuing the tradition of showing livestock with her family one day.

“I don’t plan to have a career involving FFA, but I see myself working in the program with my children someday,” Miller said.