AUDREE PHILLIPS OF REGION IX

by Hannah Watts

The Whataburger Whatakid is selected due to their ability to excel both in and out of the rodeo arena. Whataburger is proud to recognize a THSRA member from each of the ten Regions who truly upholds the title “Whatakid!” One of the nominees will be chosen at the State Final Rodeo in June as the Whatakid of the Year. In recognition of this accomplishment they will receive free Whataburgers for an entire year!

Congratulations to Audree Phillips, the Whatakid of the month from Region 7. Audree is an 18-year-old Senior at Madisonville High School. “As a kid from a ranching family, rodeo to me is an extension of the everyday work that comes with ranching”, Said Audree. She ties goats, and ropes breakaway for THSRA.

Audree rides 2 horses, a little bay mare named Miss Kat which is her breakaway horse. “She has a lot of attitudes and loves her job. Miss Kat makes my job easy by doing her job to the best of her ability on every run.”, said Audree. Then there are Pockets, he is a gray gelding Audree uses as her goat horse. Audree said, “He likes to be right beside me, and nudges often to see what I’m doing, hence the name: Pockets.”

This hard-working senior is currently the President of Region IX, and previously served as the Vice President. Audree is an active member of the Madisonville FFA, National Honor Society, Beta Club Vice President, and a Captain of the Volleyball team. She has earned her Texas FFA Lone Star Degree and has been voted the class clown.

During the school year, Audree wakes up bright and early to take care of her horses, and goats.Her day starts around 6 am to feed, water, and situate her animals. Then it is off to school for her, after a day of classes, and athletics, Audree heads home to practice her events. Once her horses and goats have been fed and taken care of she heads inside to wind down.

Audree has a couple of heroes she looks up to in life. First are her grandparents Ray Lee and Billie Reding. Audree said, “They have paved the way to make sure every single one of their 4 children and 10 grandchildren has had opportunities to become successful through hardwork.”. She also looks up to Hailey Kinsel. Kinsel’s talent and hard work, along with her personality are what Audree is drawn to. “Hailey Kinsel is one of the most down-to-earth, humble, and kind people I know.”, Said Audree.

“Sacrifice comes with rodeo… It is hard at times, but it has taught me that if you want something bad enough, you’re going to miss out on some things.”, said Audree. Being a member of THSRA has taught Audree life lessons that she will carry with her for the rest of her life. Audree stated, “I love the organization and the opportunities it brings.”.

Audree has a love for rodeo, and agriculture along with her nephew Blake. After graduating from Madisonville High School this year, Audree will attend Texas A&M University where she will be majoring in Agirculutcluar Business. “I do not know what specific job I want to have but I know I want to do something to help promote the agricultural industry,” said Audree. Audree is very honored to be this month’s Whatakid!