Oakdale High School alum Amanda Osmundson has added one final accomplishment to her distinguished FFA career.
The 2023 graduate was recently honored at the 98th Annual FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana. Osmundson was among the top four in the nation recognized as a finalist for the American Star, in the area of Agricultural Placement.
“In order to apply to be an American Star, you have to qualify to get your American Degree,” Osmundson shared of the recent recognition. “That’s the highest degree you can earn through FFA.”
She stated she was encouraged to complete the application by her former OHS instructor, Isaac Robles.
“I’m very grateful for that,” she said.
Growing up surrounded by cattle and the ranching life, Osmundson confessed she sort of fell into the FFA program. Registered for Agriculture classes while attending OHS, naturally places you in the FFA program. Following her sophomore year, she decided to try her hand at showing cattle at the Stanislaus County Fair.
“I really didn’t know much about it,” she said of the FFA program when she first got started.
But she knew about cattle and she knew about the work involved to raise them as well as breed them. Going as far back in her memory to the age of six and working with dairy cows, Osmundson had a host of practical experience.
Her senior year she was encouraged to start a proficiency application, which led to the most recent honors.
“It’s an application where I documented all of my work,” she said. “All of the skills I’ve gained and my growth throughout the years.”
Following two years at Modesto Junior College, Osmundson transferred to Kansas State University this fall. Nationals was her last hurrah for OHS, as she represented Oakdale FFA.
“It was really mind blowing,” she said of being among the top four in the nation. “I didn’t really believe it at first. It just didn’t feel real. In my head, I thought sure I’ll put in this application and see where it goes. In my mind, I was kind of already done with FFA. So then finding out that not only did I make it past the state level, but I was a national finalist, it was really kind of crazy.”
While at Nationals she was joined by her father Gregory and her uncle Gary, as well as former teacher Ed Hartzell. Now living across the country, the OHS alum shared her joy in getting to spend time with the three supporters.
“It was very nice. I’m just very glad, that not only did I make it that far but that my family came all the way out there to support me,” Osmundson shared. “It was just nice to see them, since I’m all the way out in Kansas.”
While there is no deep history for her with FFA, the cattle enthusiast noted she felt lucky to have her family background and support.
“I definitely think growing up in ag, especially in a community like the one we have, I’ve always been encouraged by everyone around me,” she said. “Just the community in general, to work hard. That’s the best way to put it.”
Adding she grew up with the mindset that hard work isn’t always done, just because the sun goes down, Osmundson feels it is a work ethic which benefits her not just now, but will in her future as well.
“Growing up in Oakdale, there’s been a lot of encouragement and a lot of support,” she said. “A lot of motivation to do the best that I can do and work my absolutely hardest to get where I want to be.”
Now, Osmundson looks to her future and continuing her passion and interest in the cattle business, stemming from her experience with the family business. She shared she helped with general management with feeding, vaccination, brandings, as well as dehornings and watching the cows when her parents traveled. Now she has an interest in the breeding program.
“Overall, I’ve reflected on my ending of my FFA career and it’s very bittersweet,” she confessed. “I don’t think I could have gotten where I am with all my achievements without the support from Oakdale and my advisors and especially my family. So even though I’m all the way out here in Kansas, I am 100 percent going to come back to Oakdale ‘cause it will always have my heart.”
