Kayla Gooden of DeRidder, Louisiana, is a senior at DeRidder High School. She is actively involved in numerous school organizations, including the National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Student Council, Beta Club, the DeRidder High School Boys Basketball Team as manager, Track and Field, and the DeRidder FFA Chapter.

Through FFA, Kayla has competed in Parliamentary Procedure, Extemporaneous Speaking, Livestock Judging, and Poultry Evaluation. These experiences have strengthened her leadership, communication skills, and passion for advocating for the agricultural industry.

Following graduation, Kayla plans to pursue degrees in Agribusiness and Political Science at either Louisiana State University or Oklahoma State University. She hopes to continue being a voice for agriculture and the individuals who play a vital role in the industry's success. FFA has helped shape Kayla into the leader she is today and has inspired the person she strives to become in the future. She is honored to serve and give back to the organization that has given her so much as the 2026-2027 Louisiana FFA State Vice President representing Area II.