Red Bay freshman to compete in FFA national talent program

RED BAY — Freshman Kayeden Palmer will take her baton to Indianapolis, Indiana, this fall after being selected for the National Future Farmers of America Talent program.

Palmer, 14, is the daughter of Kyle and LaTasha Palmer and a member of the Red Bay FFA chapter.

Nearly 50 acts from across the country were chosen for the showcase, which will take place Oct. 29–Nov. 1 during the 2025 National FFA Convention & Expo.

Palmer said she was overwhelmed when she learned she had been chosen.

“I was really excited, and I almost started crying when I got told,” she said.

She said the recognition felt like more than just a chance to perform.

“It means a lot. I really think that it’s a big opportunity, and I think that I’ll inspire a bunch of young people,” Palmer said.

Her path to twirling began in sixth grade, when her school hosted Wednesday night classes and sent forms home with students.

“I just decided to pick up a baton,” Palmer said.

Not long after, she per- formed for the first time during a Little League football halftime. With no band at the game, she was invited to take to the field and twirl.

“When the crowd gets excited, it makes me more excited,” she said.

Her mother said that spark of interest soon became daily habit.

“She would walk through the house with the baton in her hand all the time, and she’s just loved it ever since,” LaTasha Palmer said.

She said that steady interest has translated into improvement over time.

“We just see growth every performance, and that amazes us.”

That growth has carried Palmer onto the football field and into competitions.

Now in her third season as a majorette, she balances school, band, football games and outside contests.

Her practice schedule is demanding. Mondays include three-hour twirl sessions. Band rehearsals add two hours after school. On weekends and Wednesdays, she practices on her own, with football games rounding out her weekly performances.

Palmeralsotrainsunder Heather Davis of Studio Xtreme in Russellville, where she has been active for four years.

“Kayeden is a hard worker, and always has a positive attitude,” Davis said. “She has progressed in both skill and confidence and truly will shine at nationals. She always puts on a great show.

“Nationals are sure to present lots of talent, and it will be exhausting, but Kayeden is up for the challenge,” Davis said. “If anyone can do it, it’s her.”

Palmer and her best friend, Ella Nunley, performed together at the state FFA convention. Advisor Jarod Massey encouraged them to take the next step by auditioning for nationals.

“I was told about the state talent program, and after we performed, the director talked to me about trying for nationals,” Palmer said.

Her mother said her style is part of what makes her stand out.

“She’s just so sassy,” LaTasha said. “When she gets out there and she hears the music, she’s full of attitude, and that’s what makes it so fun to watch.”

That confidence was visible at state when she kept her routine on track despite music problems.

LaTasha said her daughter adjusted quickly to keep the performance moving, calling it “taking responsibility and stepping up to do what you have to do to get the job done.”

She said the ability to adapt has become one of her daughter’s strengths.

At nationals, each act will perform one routine during preliminaries with 10 advancing to the final round. Those who do not advance will still perform throughout the week at various convention venues.

“There’s a chance that she will actually compete on three separate stages once she gets there, and there’s a chance that she will just be in the lineup of performers throughout the week,” LaTasha said. “She’ll perform either way.”

Preparing for nationals has meant extra work. The family is scheduling additional practices with her coach in Russellville, arranging for music to be cut and prepared, and packing multiple uniforms.

“She’ll double down on practices these next two months, just to make sure that her routines are perfect,” LaTasha said.

She said the preparations cover every detail, from music cuts to uniforms.

“It’s a big deal when you get there to any kind of competitions or anything like that. It’s outfit changes, she changes hair pieces and all the things.”

Along the way, Palmer has gained encouragement from classmates and younger children who look up to her.

“I love when little girls come give me hugs and stuff and just come talk to me,” she said.

“She’s definitely being a positive example, and that’s all that we could ever hope for as parents.”