TO LOVE COUNTY NOW...
WHERE ONE TEXOMA KID IS MAKING LOCAL HISTORY FOR HIS SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY.
HERE'S DANIEL ARMBRUSTER.

[TAKE PKG] {TAKE PKG}
[TRT: 2:13 ] [OC:STD ]
[CG:JACOB WHITTINGTON/THACKERVILLE SOPHOMORE] [IN: 37 OUT: 44]
[CG:CHRIS LEMONS/FFA ADVISOR] [IN:1:13 OUT: 1:17]

THACKERVILLE -- Animals and agriculture are quick to come to mind when anyone hears the acronym F.F.A. It stands for Future Farmers of America, and there are organizations at nearly every high school across the country.

But now, in the midst of ever changing times, the F.F.A. is evolving too, especially here in Oklahoma.

Jacob Whittington, a Thackerville High School sophomore is part of a new revolution within the F.F.A. He will be the first student from Thackerville schools to play an instrument at the F.F.A. state convention in Oklahoma City later this month.

"I didn't know my dad for a while at first and I found out that he was very musical as well. So I think it just came naturally from his side of the family," said Whittington.

Whittington says ever since he picked one up, wherever he goes, his guitar is close by.

"I was self taught. I plucked each note individually, and then watched people like Stevie Ray Vaughn on YouTube and stuff and followed the way their hands moved," said Whittington.

"Well he's been a very energetic student," said Chris Lemons, Whittington's F.F.A. advisor.

Lemons has taught agriculture at Thackerville for 36 years. He says Whittington's chance to show his musical talents in front of thousands spells out a new era for the F.F.A.

"Jacob himself doesn't show livestock for instance. Yet he's found the opportunity to promote and display his musical talents through the organization," said Lemons.

Whittington was selected amongst dozens of others for the opportunity.

"I did a very professional type audition video and I explained what keys songs and stuff were in. I've put numerous hours and days into playing music solidly," said Whittington.

While he says he probably won't graduate as the Valedictorian, Whittington says this allows him to represent his school and community in his own unique way.

"No one expects someone from a little school to do something so big and I appreciate it because I love this school and I love my community. It feels good to be able to go out and do something like this," said Whittington.

And he says he has even bigger dreams for the future.

"Get signed onto an artist. You know how Trace Adkins and people like that have their guitarist? That's my dream," said Whittington.