PERSEVERANCE It’s a ‘Good Tired’

AMERICAN-INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR CHAROLAIS ASSOCIATION

Officers

President Weston Schrader Wells, KS (785) 488-6390 weston.schrader@gmail.com

Treasurer Jaycee Littleton Simms, TX (903) 701-2129 jayceelittleton02@gmail.com

Hello, everyone! My name is Weston Schrader, and I am beyond excited to serve as the 2023-24 AIJCA President. This will mark my 4th year as a part of the Junior Board, and its impact on my life is second-to-none. My passion for the beef industry and Charolais breed was sparked by my involvement in our family’s seedstock operation near Wells, KS. Building upon my experience within the livestock industry, I will be a sophomore at Kansas State University majoring in Animal Science. In addition to competing on this year’s livestock judging team, I am also a member of KSU Ag Ambassadors and Animal Science Mentors.

I hope that everyone had a fun and safe trip to St. Paul for the ‘Char Spangled Banner.’ My favorite time of the summer is always the week that I get to spend with my fellow Charolais enthusiasts. Each year, there is always something new that can be taken away from Junior Nationals, and it may be different for each an every one of us. Maybe its a new feeling of accomplishment or being able to welcome a new member into the association. This year for me, it was a new level of exhaustion. And as I spoke with juniors and adults alike, I know I’m not the only one. From getting animals ready for the show to preparing for leadership contests, we all have valid reasons to be a bit tired. However, I don’t think of this in a negative light. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

Ridge Hughbanks, former National FFA Officer, once said, “Being tired means something is being accomplished.” Wether

I’m working in the classroom, show barn or judging van, this statement has stuck with me and has served as a reminder that in most cases being tired is a good thing. Now, this doesn’t give us the excuse to be cranky on show day or sleep the whole way home when its been your turn to drive. It provides assurance that you have been working towards something of importance. In anything you do, having success takes perseverance. We all are involved in a wide variety of organizations and activities, all having different goals in mind for those respective commitments. Our Junior National keynote speaker and former Survivor TV star, Holly Hoffman, reminded us what is takes to be successful in our daily lives: Faith, Attitude, Determination, Confidence, Desire, and PERSEVERANCE.

The Charolais breed is unique. Our juniors have the opportunity to compete at a high level in many events during Junior National, such as showmanship, team fitting, teams sales, cook-off, public speaking, and so much more. Don’t forget about the CharFocus leadership conference at the end of the summer. When juniors are this involved, you bet there is room to be tired. Wait, what about our parents? Don’t you think that they are worn out by all that they do to support us and make sure that we are prepared for the task at hand? We need to remember that its not all about us, and that your success not only highlights your hard work and dedication, but the constant encouragement by those in your corner. Remember why you are here, how you got here, and who has been with you every step of the way. Don’t forget to thank those around you. Certain seasons of the year operate with lots of moving parts, and often times we forget to show gratitude during the busiest of times. We can never

Vice President Shade Bunker

Sparta, WI (608) 855-0270 shadebunker1@gmail.com

Secretary Ethan Shoemake Warner, OK (918) 424-8703 ethan.shoemake2004@gmail.com

Ex-Officio

Devon Benes Valparaiso, NE (402) 499-3429 devben@hotmail.com

Directors By Area

Area 1 Maddy Rohr Elbert, CO (720) 467-3302 maddy23@ksu.edu

Area 2 Jaycee Littleton Simms, TX (903) 701-2129 jayceelittleton02@gmail.com

Area 3 Nissa Olsen Manhattan, KS (785) 313-2975 nco.charolais@gmail.com

Area 4

Lexi Huse Elm Mott, TX (254) 299-7099 lexihuse2006@gmail.com

Area 5

Carter Hoge Good Hope, IL (309) 255-4131 carterdhoge@gmail.com

Area 6 Tannah Cassatt Webb City, MO (417) 499-7935 tmcassatt@gmail.com

Fundraising Jaycee Littleton Programs & Activities Shade Bunker

Area 7 Reagan Dunn Cochranton, PA (814) 720-0446 reagandunn17@gmail.com

Area 8 Marie Downey Prattville, AL (812) 573-6606 downeyme03@gmail.com

At Large Austin Alexander Bremen, AL (256) 287-1166 austin.alexander.2022@gmail.com

At Large Shade Bunker Sparta, WI (608) 855-0270 shadebunker1@gmail.com

At Large Mason Leifeste Cameron, TX (512) 987-8417 masonaleifeste@gmail.com

At Large

Ethan Shoemake Warner, OK (918) 424-8703 ethan.shoemake2004@gmail.com

Membership Ethan Shoemake Junior National Weston Schrader

A I J C A M e m b e r s h i p be too tired to say ‘Thank you.’ Let’s attack the challenges that lie ahead of us and remember that being ‘tired’ is a good thing.

Membership in the nationwide American-International Junior Charolais Association (AIJCA) is open to anyone 21 years of age and under as of January 1 of the present year. The initial membership fee is $30 and $25 annual dues thereafter.

Good luck to all of the juniors as we are heading into state fair season and all the excitement and hard work that comes with it! I can’t wait to represent the AIJCA again this year, and I hope to see lots of new and familiar faces at Charolais events throughout the year!