TULSA, Okla. – Muscogee (Creek) Nation citizen Kiara McIntosh-Asbury earned a historic State Future Farmers of America Degree that was awarded at the 99th Oklahoma State FFA Convention on May 7, 2025.
McIntosh-Asbury, a Webster High School graduating senior, is one of two Tulsa Public Schools students to merit the degree, a first in TPS history. Senior Sarah Robinson, McIntosh-Asbury’s best friend and partner in agriculture, earned a State FFA Degree as well.
Her interest in agriculture was sparked in eighth grade. COVID-19 restrictions had just been lifted and she emerged from lockdown to a lesson introducing the art of using mums to create corsage. From there she immersed herself in FFA, participating in speeches and contests such as land judging.
“Land judging is a contest where students assess four different holes, evaluating factors like texture, slope, flooding potential, and necessary soil amendments. This knowledge is important for sustainable land management, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between land and the people,” explained McIntosh-Asbury.
“As a member of the Mvskoke Nation, I take pride in representing my heritage. I hope to inspire future generations of Mvskoke students to pursue excellence, particularly in fields like agriculture.”
Achieving the degree was no small feat. According to FFA Constitutional requirements students must meet several stringent criteria including completing 360 hours of agricultural education, maintaining a B average in agricultural courses, and volunteering at least 25 hours in two different community service activities.
FFA also requires a Supervised Agricultural Experience program be completed successfully prior to submission of a portfolio or scrapbook for consideration for a degree. If the submission contains over ten errors, even if it meets the other standards, the candidate is not conferred a State FFA Degree.
While that may seem daunting, McIntosh-Asbury had support for her agricultural journey.
“Our teacher, Alania Fornal, encouraged (Sarah Robinson and I) to expand our Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) by showing livestock and continuing our participation in events and contests. This initiative not only deepened our understanding but also showcased the diverse opportunities within agriculture,”said McIntosh-Asbury.
McIntosh-Asbury served two terms as Webster High School FFA chapter president and graduated May 20, with plans to continue her agricultural education.
In the Fall McIntosh-Asbury will attend Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO) in Miami, Oklahoma, where she’ll pursue a degree in Agricultural Education with additional veterinary technician coursework as a focus.
“Earning a degree in Agricultural Education holds significant meaning for me and my family. It serves as a testament to the impact agriculture has had on my high school experience. I strive to achieve more after earning this degree,” says McIntosh-Asbury of her future aspirations.
In addition to the State FFA Degree, McIntosh-Asbury earned the $2,500 HF Sinclair STEM Scholarship and the President’s Award for maintaining a GPA of 3.5 and above. Her achievements were recognized by the Greater Tulsa Area Indian Affairs Commission with The Student of Excellence award presented at the TPS Indian Education Senior Celebration on May 2. The annual award, presented to one graduating Native senior per school recognizes students who exhibit academic, cultural, and extracurricular excellence.
You are amazing!! Mvto for having the time to interview me. 💓
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