Haley Hunter

Haley Hunter – Texas
Nomination & Photography by Angie Read Photography
Issue 76 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
​

Nomination: Haley Hunter is a resilient and ambitious young woman inspired by her optimism and positivity. Competing in Livestock Projects statewide within her FFA, she is a member of the Waller County Junior Fair Board and earned the title of Duchess at the Waller County Fair. Haley dedicates time to community service projects, rooted in Christian values. Despite demanding hours, she prioritizes her GPA. What sets Haley apart is her compassion and love for people of all ages, making her not just academically focused but a source of inspiration for those around her.
​

Photography by Angie Read Photography

​What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
Agriculture has always been a passion of mine. I have been an active FFA member for four years and a member of 4-H for five years. I know various agriculture topics and have taken numerous courses throughout high school. Ag has taught me many life lessons about following your dreams and the importance of hard work. In the fall, I am attending
Tarleton State University, Majoring in Agricultural Development and Communications. After graduating from Tarleton, I intend to be an agricultural teacher and give back to our younger generation. 
 
What are some of the Livestock Project competitions you’ve been involved in and what do you love about them?
I have been raising market goats for four years and pigs for one. Throughout my show career, I have grown so much as a showman. I have surrounded myself with the toughest exhibitors and challenged myself to always do better. What I love most about showing livestock is being in the ring and attending showmanship camps. As my breeder always tells me, it takes hours to be the best and to beat the best. I have
been participating in livestock judging for three years and have broadened my knowledge. 
 
What is your favorite part about being a member of FFA?
FFA stands for Future Farmers of America. I enjoy being surrounded by people with the same hopes, goals, and dreams. I love that FFA has a variety of events for you to participate in. FFA has allowed me to find my passion, and I am excited to be a part of other people's journeys. 
  
 What leadership opportunities have you had within the FFA?
Through FFA, I have held leadership positions including Head of Record Books, junior chapter advisor, and NASP archery captain. Leading the archery team for four years now has afforded me the opportunity to strengthen relationships with younger chapter members. 
 
How would you describe your leadership style?
Regarding leadership, I am a supportive and collaborative leader. I believe in working with my team, listening to their ideas, and empowering them to reach their full potential. It is all about fostering a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and motivated.

Photography by Angie Read Photography

​What does the Title of a Duchess at the Waller County Fair entail on your end?
After the coronation and receiving the title WCF Duchess, my responsibilities included attending all livestock events, handing out awards, and being involved in backdrop pictures. I have been honored to attend point ceremonies and banner recognition at the non-livestock events. After the fair, the queen court will attend any events at the Waller County Fair or that pertain to the association. As the court, we represent the queen contest as a symbol of royalty and pride. 

What are some of the community service projects you've been involved in?
I have been involved in numerous community service projects! One of my favorites was volunteering at a local animal shelter. It was so rewarding to help care for the animals and find them loving homes. I have also helped organize food drives and clean-up events in my neighborhood. It is always great to give back to the community! 
 
What are some of the community service projects you've been involved in?
I have been involved in numerous community service projects! One of my favorites was volunteering at a local animal shelter. It was so rewarding to help care for the animals and find them loving homes. I have also helped organize food drives and clean-up events in my neighborhood. It is always great to give back to the community!

Which is your favorite and why?
My favorite service project was "Project Linus." It was a service project where, as an FFA chapter, we made tie blankets and distributed them to local shelters and nursing homes. During this project, our culinary classes made cookies and sweet treats as a reminder that people are always thinking and caring for them.

What is your favorite class this year and what is the most interesting thing you've learned?
Culinary class has been my favorite class this year! I have learned so many fascinating things including exploring different flavor profiles and how to balance them in a dish. It is amazing how certain ingredients can complement each other and create a symphony of flavors. I also enjoyed learning about the cultural significance of various cuisines and how food brings people together. It has been a tasty and enlightening journey!

Photography by Angie Read Photography

​What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I actively participate in organizations, such as Bridge the Blue, Community Service Advantage, and Houston Food Bank. Bridge the Blue focuses on supporting law enforcement. Community Service Advantage is an agency where I volunteer to help people with developmental disabilities. Once a month, I volunteer at Houston Food Bank to collect cans and take them downtown. I inspire others to give back to communities like ours that help us daily in ways we do not always recognize.

What is Bridge the Blue to you and why are you proud to participate in this organization?
Bridge the Blue is an organization that means a great deal to me. Law enforcement goes above and beyond for us every day, keeping our streets safe and fighting for every one of us. Police officers are not given enough credit for what they do, and this organization allows me to advocate for them.

Tell us more about Community Service Advantage and what you do to participate?
Community Service Advantage allows me to work with people with developmental disabilities and help with daily activities. My mom has been a case worker for 22 years, and I grew up in the environment. I look at people for who they are and do not judge. I had the opportunity to help assist in the Special Olympics for the past two years.

How did you get involved with the Houston Food Bank?
I got involved through my middle school, which holds monthly food drives and volunteer days to help and give back. I also had the opportunity to volunteer with them through my high school's food pantry organization.

What else would you like to talk about?
I am confirmed in the Lutheran Church. For the past seven years, I have been a Lone Star Cowboy Church member. My life centers around Christ and his biblical teachings. I have attended private school since Pre-K, which has strengthened my Christian core values. Weekly, I lead a Bible study for young women at my school called Friday Morning. This Bible study allows me to share my knowledge about how to be a biblical woman according to the Bible.

How do you share your Christian values with others - directly or indirectly?
When sharing my Christian values with others, I believe in leading by example. I live out my values in how I treat others, show kindness, and lend a helping hand. Sometimes, if the opportunity arises, I might have conversations with friends and share my beliefs, but I always try to do it respectfully and understandably. It is important to me to show love and acceptance to everyone, regardless of their beliefs.

Photography by Angie Read Photography

How did you find your photographer, Angie Read Photography? What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
I befriended Angie in my junior year through a friend. As a thoughtful and caring photographer, she feels like a second mom. Angie's passion for photography is evident in every session; she ensures my pictures reflect my true self, even in imperfect lighting. The Angie Read Photography Rep program has connected me with girls outside my school. Engaging in community service projects and self-defense classes has fostered a close bond. Angie's program goes beyond photography, creating a meaningful community through shared experiences and activities.

If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you?
You could find me in a barn somewhere. I am always seeking ways to expand my knowledge and improve my skills. Recently, I have started teaching showmanship skills to first-year students. I love the barn atmosphere, where everyone is always happy and ready to help!

What is up next for you that you are super excited about?
I am extremely excited to attend Tarleton State University in the fall. When it comes to college, there are so many exciting things on the horizon! I am looking forward to exploring new subjects, meeting new people, and experiencing the independence of college life. It is a chance to dive deeper into my interests and broaden my horizons. I cannot wait to join clubs and organizations, attend agriculture classes, and make lasting memories. The college experience is just brimming with possibilities, and I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Keep going even when you want to give up. I have learned to push myself beyond my max to be the best version of myself.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In five years, I plan to graduate college and start my adventure as an agriculture teacher to high school students.

3 Things on your bucket list
The top three things I want to do are travel to Cabo San Lucas, go zip-lining in New Zealand, and visit London.

Look for Haley in issue 76 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 76

click here to nominate an inspiring teen