BY LISA MACNEIL & AUSTYN SZEMPRUCH
Hunter Fraccia began his amazing journey at age 3, when he began showing goats. By age 5, he was showing rabbits and chickens. He was showing swine, steer, poultry, and horses by age 8. “I’ve been showing all of them ever since,” Hunter said, “I’ve been very involved with 4H, FFA (Future Farmers of America) as well as a plethora of other organizations specific to the breeds that I show.”
Hunter has shown animals at all levels, including local, state, national, and world levels during his time with the organization. The accomplished senior has even won titles at all of these levels as well.
Now, at 17, he is the President of the Brooksville Senior FFA and the Pure Country 4H Club, and is involved in various community service events and educational seminars. Hunter said, “It’s really my passion and ultimately what I plan to have my career in.”
Hunter has held officer positions with 4-H county and district councils and has even represented the organization in Tallahassee. During 4-H Day at the Capitol in March, Fraccia talked with senators and representatives about what he has learned from the program. Conversations like these help to maintain funding and support for these instructional agricultural endeavors.
Also serving as an agricultural ambassador for the Florida Agriculture Wildlife Expo (FAWE), Hunter promotes the program within the community and answers citizens’ questions about agriculture and the exposition itself.
“He is very good as far as teaching the other youth, passing on his skills and knowledge that he has to other youth and mentoring them as well,” said Dianna Noggler, President of the FAWE.
Through this, the high school senior has earned community service hours towards his scholarship. Fraccia participated in several events to help the community, including the Veterans Day Parade, Wreaths Across America, and raising blankets for the homeless.
The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) recognized Hunter at the April 22 meeting for his exceptional community service and his achievements of 13 years, continuing while he is attending Pasco-Hernando State College, while simultaneously finalizing his high school career at Hernando High School. His high school GPA is 3.8.
Hunter is considering attending the University of Florida to become a large animal veterinarian, and he is also considering becoming an agricultural attorney.
Commissioner Jerry Campbell commented on the importance of agriculture and commended Hunter’s passion. “People take it for granted … Those eggs don’t come from the supermarket. The meat doesn’t come from the supermarket. The vegetables don’t come from the supermarket.” It all starts in agriculture.
About the Florida Agriculture and Wildlife Expo: According to the organization’s website, the FAWE’s stated mission is “to preserve and enhance the rich heritage of our agriculture and wildlife communities.” They strive to do so by holding events for the public to take part in, such as the one on March 14-19, which featured livestock, equestrian, and agricultural elements.
