INOLA, OK – Inola High School had the honor of welcoming back one of its recent graduates, Anna Jo Helling, as the keynote speaker during the district’s teacher inservice held on August 4, 2025. Helling, a 2024 graduate and current sophomore at Oklahoma State University, delivered a powerful presentation on incorporating agricultural education into core curriculum areas.
A trailblazer in both local and state FFA history, Anna Jo has built a remarkable résumé of achievements. During her high school career, she placed 1st in the Northeast Area Ag Policy Speech Contest and 3rd in Extemporaneous Speaking. She made history as the first Inola FFA member to qualify for the State FFA Speech Contest, later becoming a State Champion in Agricultural Education Proficiency and a National Finalist in Employment Skills. She also placed in the top five in numerous Career and Leadership Development Events.
Most notably, Anna Jo became only the third student—and the first female—from Inola High School to serve as a State FFA Officer, representing Oklahoma FFA during the 2024-2025 school year. In her role, she visited and spoke at hundreds of FFA chapters across the state—from Boise City to Miami, and from Altus to Silo—bringing leadership, purpose, and inspiration to students of all ages. She led workshops on effective communication, goal setting, and being the change students wish to see in their communities, and played an integral role in organizing and hosting the 2025 State FFA Convention at the BOK Center in Tulsa.
Currently majoring in Animal Science with a minor in Agribusiness Pre-Law at Oklahoma State University, Anna Jo continues to pursue her passion for agriculture and advocacy. Her return to Inola High School this week brought encouragement to staff and emphasized the value of integrating agricultural literacy into all subject areas—from science and English to math and social studies.
“Anna Jo is the kind of student every teacher dreams of watching grow,” said Heather Ellis, Inola High School Principal. “To see her return with such wisdom and passion—and to help us better serve our students—is truly inspiring.”
Inola Public Schools is proud to call Anna Jo Helling one of their own and looks forward to seeing the impact she continues to make in Oklahoma and beyond.