Cherokee High School senior Joel Parker has been a member of the varsity football team since he entered high school, but even before he suited up for the school, he was a member of the FFA program starting in the eighth grade. Football and FFA are two activities Parker has spent his young life pursuing.
“I started playing football in 2nd grade in pee-wee tackle football and I joined FFA my eighth grade year,” said Parker.
Being a leader on the football team is more than knowing the Xs and Os of the game. It’s about building team chemistry and it’s something CHS continues to build.
“We all get along really well and have great attitudes as well as we are focused on the same goals and encourage each other,” said Parker.
Off the field, Parker said his mother is a source of inspiration in his life and one day he hopes to pursue a career in agriculture.
“My mom. She has taught me to not hurry through everything and slow down a bit to enjoy what is happening in the moment. She has demonstrated to me how to work hard and what you need to do to achieve your goals when you set them high,” said Parker.
As a member of the FFA program, Parker is involved in several activities including sporting clays, cattle handling, Cherokee show team, CDE contests and proficiencies. FFA and football have taught Parker some valuable life lessons.
“No matter what you’re doing in life it’s not always going to be pleasant or easy but you just have to power through and stay focused and hopefully you can enjoy some fun things when the work is done,” said Parker.
