From O’Bannon Woods to the National Stage
From fiddles at the pioneer village, to handling snakes on the state fair stage, Maggie Taylor has turned her love of nature into big adventures, and now she’s a National FFA award winner in outdoor recreation!
The Perry Central FFA graduate turned a summer job at O’Bannon Woods State Park into a life-changing Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), earning national recognition for her leadership, dedication and passion for animals. Now a freshman at Huntington University (HU) studying biology/pre-vet, Taylor continues to chase opportunities that combine her love of animals, agriculture and community service. At HU, she’s the secretary of the Horticulture Club, a collegiate Farm Bureau liaison, chemistry lab assistant, Critter Companion and an active member of the Pre-Vet Club!
Taylor’s journey began at O’Bannon Woods State Park in Harrison County, Ind. What started as a simple summer job soon grew into a nationally recognized achievement.
“I just needed a job, and I knew I loved nature,” Taylor says. “I’d been going to the state park with my parents and grandparents for as long as I could remember. It already held a special place in my heart because my family would volunteer at the pioneer village for events. I’d dress up as a pioneer and play my fiddle!”
Maggie Taylor receiving her first-place plaque in outdoor recreation at the 2025 Indiana FFA State Convention.
Taylor was eager to dive deeper into FFA and developed an SAE through her work at the park. She rotated through various gate locations, eventually taking on training responsibilities for new employees. But it was her time at the nature center that truly fueled her love for animals.
“I spent time learning about the animals, how to care for them and handling them so I could assist with interpretive programs to educate the public about our local wildlife,” she says.
This experience led her to become a skilled snake handler, and ultimately gave her the opportunity to present snakes at the Indiana State Fair’s Snake Alive Program — the largest interpretive naturalist program in the state.
Before starting her SAE, Taylor admits she had never even held a snake. By her senior year, she was handling them for hours at a time, interacting with thousands of people. “It was terrifying at first, but to see myself now as one of the more qualified snake handlers in the state—that’s a huge accomplishment,” she says.
Taylor’s dedication paid off in a big way. At the 97th Indiana FFA State Convention, she placed first in the outdoor recreation proficiency award category. Later that summer, she learned she had been named one of four national finalists for the same award. After going through the final interview process, she made it to the national stage!
Taylor when her name was called as the national proficiency winner.
Standing on the national stage in front of tens of thousands of FFA members, Taylor says, “Every emotion that was in the book! I felt like I was going to cry, pass out, smile until my face was stuck and everything in between. As they were going down the line saying our names, I remember standing there, staring at the platform in the middle of the stage and thinking ‘I want that so bad! I want to run up there so bad!’ Winning was all I could think about, and I wanted it so bad! I had put so much effort into it and I was so nervous. When they said my name, I went into shock. It was like I was floating!”
Taylor winning her national proficiency.
Looking ahead, Taylor plans to continue her studies at HU, aspiring to become a large animal veterinarian specializing in equine sports medicine and chiropractic care.
For other FFA members considering starting an SAE, Taylor has a simple message: “Do it!” she says. “The experience will impact your life so greatly, and I am so glad I chose to do it! I would not be where I am today without my SAE, and you never know the impact something can have on your life, so take the risk and start something new! I believe in you!”
Taylor at the national convention.
Taylor’s story shows how a love for nature and a willingness to try new things can open doors you never imagined. From playing her fiddle at the pioneer village to learning to handle snakes at the state fair, her journey is a reminder that courage can turn a simple summer job into life-changing opportunities!
Taylor at the National FFA Convention & Expo.
