always wanted to compete in the National Showmanship Contest. I wanted to be like the competitors in their black pants and white shirts. I was blessed enough to be chosen as a representative for the state of Illinois at our preview show. My nerves were high on Thursday for the preliminary round, but they had skyrocketed on Friday for the finals. Waiting to hear my number was the most nervous I have been in my show career. Then, after hearing “22,” I couldn’t hold it back. The work and learning had paid off, but none of it could have been possible without my showmanship partner. My showmanship partner is PVF Blackbird 5012, a Marvel daughter, Tate. Before heading to Prairie View’s sale, my Nana always picks out her favorite, which happens to be her. Tate is the one we all fight over on who gets to lead her to tie-outs. She is the chilliest show animal I’ve ever had the pleasure of showing. She just storms through all of the crew’s shenanigans. Seeing the judge head my way for the selection of Grand Champion Owned Female is a feeling that I will not soon shake. My mother passed away when I was nine months old at the age of twenty-four; my Nana and Papa have raised me since. Their love and grace have gotten me to this point, and without them, none of this would be possible. They push me in the right direction in everything, whether it is
my Faith, sports, showing, or just being a decent human. I hope that I make them proud every day. Alan and Theresa, thank you for taking in the thirteen- year-old and teaching me all that I know now. I will forever be indebted to you. I’m thankful to have been treated as one of your own and blessed to have spent the last seven summers with Amelia, Adam, and Will. The rest of the crew, Brandon, Kurt, Kyle, Zach, and Tyler, thank you for pouring into me. The dedication and love you have all shown, in your own ways, make this so much fun. I’m blessed to have had you on my team over the years. While this was my last time up to the plate at the National Junior Angus Show, I cannot wait for the next game, this time from the dugout. I’m excited to continue supporting those whose necks I hugged and who helped make it all happen! “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” 1 Chronicles 16:34 ●
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