High school students usually have a variety of extracurricular activities and clubs that they can join. In a lot of cases, the student chooses one that is something that they are familiar with or interested in. For Erik Fonkalsrud, the choice for him was an easy one. 

“I am a member of the Future Farmers of America at Broken Arrow High School,” Erik said. “Joining the FFA was an easy choice as I have family in agriculture and my future is in agriculture as well.”

Fonkalsrud is a junior at Broken arrow. As a member of the FFA, he does livestock judging, cattle grading, and cattle handling. Throughout his time in the program, he has made a lot of memories, but he says that the convention is something that he really enjoys.
 “My favorite memory from FFA is going to the FFA Convention,” Erik said. “I enjoy getting to meet people from all over who are also in FFA.” 

Broken Arrow FFA sponsor, Jenna Dupree, says that Fonkalsrud has made a big impact on the program and she expects a lot from him the next couple of years. 

“Erik is a student who has quickly become a leader by being willing to try new activities and lead other students to do the same,” Dupree said. “Our officer team does not have any senior students, but Erik is our President and has a vision for our chapter and the success of it. Erik is a Junior and I look forward to seeing all he accomplishes in the next two years.”

Throughout his life, Erik has had a number of people to look up to as role models. A lot of what he knows, he learned from a family member.

“My biggest influence and role model is my uncle,” Erik said. “He has taught me a lot about agriculture and life and is a great guy. I strive to be like him.”

Being able to represent his school and community as an FFA member is something that Fonkalsrud does not take lightly.
 “It means a lot because I know when I do well in a competition it’s not just me that gets noticed, it’s our whole FFA chapter too.”