Growing up in a family of agricultural education teachers, Gatlin Cy Squires was always aware of FFA and the agricultural way of life. Squires always thought FFA was about livestock exhibitions, public speaking and livestock judging.
However, this all changed for the Kingfisher, Okla., resident when he had a required science fair project in seventh grade. Squires enjoyed his science project, and when he joined FFA he found out about the National FFA Agriscience Fair. Here was an opportunity for him to merge his love of agriculture and science.
Today, that love of science has resulted in Squires being named a 2015 finalist for the American Star in Agriscience award, one of the most prestigious honors awarded to a student by the National FFA Organization.
For as long as he can remember, Squires has been involved with the production of swine and beef cattle. After several years of this being his supervised agricultural experience, he made a transition to gathering information for the agriscience fair. He then began to fuse his research with his swine operations. The 20 year old discovered that hydrogen peroxide mixed with aloe vera extract assisted with cleaning the skin as well as improving the skin and hair health of the animals. This mix saved the owner time and money. He also discovered a solution that helps water retention in the muscles of swine animals.
Squires says his experience through agriscience research has helped him develop countless skills. While he enjoys scientific research, he has a greater passion for advocating for agriculture as a whole. As a result, he is currently attending Oklahoma State where he is studying agribusiness with a pre law option.
Each year at the National FFA Convention & Expo, four FFA members are honored with an American Star Award for outstanding accomplishments in FFA and agricultural education.
The American Star Awards, including the American Star Farmer, American Star in Agribusiness, American Star in Agricultural Placement and American Star in Agriscience, are awarded to FFA members who demonstrate outstanding agricultural skills and competencies through completion of a supervised agricultural experience program. A required activity in FFA, an SAE allows students to learn by doing by either owning and operating an agricultural business, working or serving an internship at an agriculture-based business or conducting an agriculture-based scientific experiment and reporting results.
Other requirements to achieve the award include demonstrating top management skills; completing key agricultural education, scholastic and leadership requirements; and earning an American FFA Degree, the organization’s highest level of student accomplishment.
Sixteen American Star Award finalists from throughout the U.S. are nominated by a panel of judges to interview during the national convention and expo. Four are named winners and receive cash awards totaling $4,000. All American Star finalists receive a $2,000 cash award. The American Star Awards are sponsored by ADM Crop Risk Services, Case IH, Elanco, Farm Credit and Syngenta as a special project of the National FFA Foundation.
Squires is the son of Mark and Jona Squires. He is a member of the Kingfisher FFA Chapter, led by advisors Ryan Burns and Lori Burns.
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