Livestock judging paying for college for four local FFA members

WORLAND — Livestock judging can pay for college? Yes, yes it can, and four Worland High School graduates and Chief Washakie FFA members are experiencing that right now, according to the Chief Washakie FFA advisor Grace Godfrey.

Meg DeBolt, who graduated from WHS in 2019 as well as Liz Voss and Dani Warner, 2020 graduates, are attending Casper College, each with livestock judging scholarships under the direction of Dr. Jeremy Burkett and Colby Hales.

Caylin Deniz, another 2020 WHS graduate, is on a livestock judging scholarship to Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne. She is coached by Clay Roland.

All four of the students were heavily involved in livestock judging in FFA, Godfrey said. They judged in Montana, Colorado, Utah and South Dakota during that time as well as extensively in the 307 Livestock judging series through 4-H while in high school.

“With little to no experience prior to high school the girls had a huge learning curve to overcome. They were able to do that by attending numerous competitions and judging camps that were hosted by the University of Wyoming, Casper College and LCCC. There were several highlights during their high school career but being the high team in swine at the National Western Stock Show under the coaching of then student teacher, Logan Henry, was the pinnacle,” Godfrey said.

Individually the girls had immense success as well. Dani Warner swept the 307 Fremont County judging contest with Meg DeBolt right behind her.

Meg DeBolt said, “Jeremy Burkett gave me opportunities through scholarships to be able to not only attend a great college but be a part of an amazing team. The experience and memories are truly one of a kind.”

Warner and Deniz together were first or second in all but one category at the 307 LCCC judging contest. “Livestock judging has given me a lot of memories and opportunities that I am really grateful for,” Warner said.

Deniz added, “Livestock judging has provided me with not only endless opportunities but also invaluable life lessons and memories I will cherish forever. I am so grateful that Mrs. Godfrey was able to haul me around in high school, if it weren’t for her selflessness and dedication to her students then judging in college wouldn’t have been possible.”

Liz Voss was the high individual at the Wyoming State FFA livestock judging competition in 2018 as well as being named to the 307 livestock judging team in 2019. According to Voss, “I started judging since it dealt with animals, but what has kept me in it is its influence in helping me grow as an individual.”

“Regardless if the girls continue to judge at the university level or not, their hard work and dedication has paved the way for them to have part, if not all, of their junior college education paid,” Godfrey said.