My name is Grace Angotti, and I am currently a senior at Western Illinois University. I grew up in Freedom, Wisconsin. My parents, Daniel and Missy Angotti, immersed me in the livestock industry. I grew up showing cattle and hogs, and it wasn’t uncommon for our daily dinner conversations to be filled with talk of livestock. I developed a strong passion for this industry early on, and when it came time to decide where to continue my education, a close family friend mentioned Black Hawk East. My family and I set up a tour, and when I stepped foot in the Dan Hoge Auditorium, I knew I had found the place for me. When I was asked to write this article, I thought back to the beginning of my judging career, which started much later than most. Just three short years ago, I walked through the doors at Black Hawk East, not knowing what the future might hold. I remember walking into Dr. Blake Bloomberg's office, introducing myself, and telling him I wanted to be a part of the Livestock Judging Team. Later that day, when I walked into the auditorium, I was met by a talented group of livestock judges—these individuals were now my teammates. To say I was behind would be an understatement. Dr. Bloomberg even joked at our banquet afterward that he thought I would quit within the first two weeks. When I started livestock judging as a junior college contestant, my goals began small. They started with getting through a set of reasons without using a notebook, followed by marking cleaner cards. I strived to make the top ten at a contest to earn a spot on the marking five. Valuing education just as much as the livestock industry, I set the goal of becoming an Academic All-American as well. My final goal, after making the marking five, was to win a national contest. This seemed out of reach, and I was unsure if it would ever happen, with only two contests left in my collegiate career. Now, looking back, every goal I set for myself has been achieved. SENIOR COLLEGIATE HIGH INDIVIDUAL OVERALL
There is only one word that comes to mind when describing this year's American Royal: unforgettable. Hearing my name called as this year's High Individual at the 125th American Royal left me speechless. With all that in mind, all I can say is, "Dreams only work if you do." None of these dreams would have been possible without taking the daunting first step to Black Hawk East and being surrounded by the best educators, mentors, and friends. I would be remiss if I didn’t finish this by thanking everyone in my corner. I want to start by thanking my parents and all my family back home in Wisconsin for always being there for me, being proud no matter the outcome, and believing in me through it all. Next, I would like to extend a thank you to Dr. Blake Bloomberg. When I walked through the doors at Black Hawk East, clueless about the world of livestock judging, you could have easily dismissed me, but you didn't. You pushed me as hard as everyone else and played a huge role in my success to this day. I couldn’t have done it without your belief in me from day one. Lastly, I would like to thank Dr. Mark Hoge, Caleb Boden, and Leremy Jackson. Without that phone call to check out Western Illinois University, I’m not sure this dream would have been possible. Deciding where to attend senior college was hard, but being joined by many of my junior college friends made Western Illinois feel like home. Dr. Hoge is one of the most creative, intelligent, and thought-provoking individuals I have had the pleasure of meeting. He made my decision easy, knowing I would be coached by him and two others well-versed in all species. The intelligence I have been surrounded by here and the education I have gained are things I will continue to cherish. Although this journey is coming to an end, these days will truly be some of the best, and I cannot thank all of you enough for everything you have done for me. ●
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