SG October 2023

JUNIOR VOICES • Tommy Dunnaway Treasurer

JUNIOR VOICES • Avery Strait Vice President

Q: A:

Q: A:

WHERE WAS YOUR FIRST NJSGS AND HOW MANY HAVE YOU ATTENDED?

WHO INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME AN NJSGA BOARD MEMBER?

The very first National Junior Santa Gertrudis Show (NJSGS) I can remember attending was in 2015 when a cow named Miss Yancey won Grand Champion. My sister and I thought we were so cool because we got to be in the back drop photo. When the junior national issue of Santa Gertru dis USA came out, we couldn’t believe that we were actually in a magazine. That was definitely the highlight of first grade. Just two years later, I showed at my first NJSGS in Lake Charles, La. I was just 8 years old and had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I don’t remember a whole lot from the show, other than the heat, but I do remember how much I looked up to the directors. I thought they were so cool because they helped with everything. Whether it was Survivor, contests or just simply supporting exhibitors in the ring, knowing that a director was around kind of soothed my nerves. It has been quite a bit of time since my very first NJSGS and, after about six more years of attending my favorite show of the year, I still don’t know what is going on sometimes. Now I’m a director and a role model for the younger kids. Little 8-year-old me would not believe where I am now.

Getting involved on the national level can be intimidating. I have been fortunate to have two people who pushed me to go outside my comfort zone and mentored me in ways to lead. Trai Stegall has been my biggest encourager and men tor in all things Santa Gertrudis. Not only did he sell me my first Santa Gertrudis heifer, he immediately got me involved in my local 4-H club and Mississippi affiliate. He has taught me to be kind to everyone, work hard and leave the breed better than I found it. I am thankful that he still helps me ev ery step of the way. Next, McRae Clay set the standard for what a junior di rector should be. At my first National Junior Santa Gertru dis Show, she walked with me every step of the way when I had a heifer that did not want to be shown. She always has a smile for everyone and endless dedication to her cherry red cattle and our junior show. She is still there working at every show and leading us all by example. Serving this breed has been an incredible experience that has given me countless opportunities and lifelong skills that will help me the fture. My desire is that I can be the reason that someone wants to be a junior director.

9th Annual Selling 60+ Registered and Commercial Santa Gertrudis & Star5 Females Nov 18, 2023, Robstown, TX

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SANTA GERTRUDIS SOURCE

OCTOBER 2023