Italy exits Ellis County Youth Expo with a trough full of ribbons

Submitted Story Posted April 7, 2010 5:00pm Local news

Image: Matt Brummett made the sale during the Expo — Matt Brummett placed 2nd with his steer during the Ellis County Youth Expo in Waxahachie. — Matt Brummett made the sale during the Expo — Matt Brummett placed 2nd with his steer during the Ellis County Youth Expo in Waxahachie. (Anne Sutherland)

Members of the Italy FFA, the Ellis County 4-H and the FCCLA entered their lambs, goats, heifers, steers, hogs, desserts, shirts, photos and drawings into the Ellis County Youth Expo Show & Sale with high expectations. By the end of the week long event, expectations were met as Italy’s hard working students left with a trough full off ribbons and even a Grand Champion Buckle to boot!

There will be a more detailed article to follow including additional pictures as soon as possible.

Show us your buckle! — Grand Champion winner Jaclynn Lewis receives a new belt buckle. (Anne Sutherland)

Pretty in pink — Lexie Miller wins a “Reserve Best of Show” pink ribbon for her cake entry as a member of the Italy FCCLA. (Barry Byers)

Runner & Russell — Russell Helms keeps a tight grip on his heifer, named Runner, before they enter the show ring inside the Ellis County Expo barn. (Barry Byers)

Dan Crownover — Dan seems to be an old pro at showing his animals. (Barry Byers)

Jacqualyn Cawley — Jacqualyn Cawley needed a feed bucket to carry all of her ribbons. (Barry Byers)

Mrs. Hyles’ all smiles — Ann Hyles displays many of the food items that won ribbons during the Expo. After 39 years of dedicated service to the kids of Italy High School, Mrs. Hyles will be retiring after the school year but not before the kids did so well at the Expo. “Thank you Mrs. Hyles for always being positive and always with a smile.” (Barry Byers)

Brandon Souder — Brandon Souder was born to do this. (Barry Byers)

Anna is ready — Anna Viers adds personality and pizazz to any animal stall. (Barry Byers)

Ty Windham — Ty maneuvers his pig cleverly in front of the judge. (Barry Byers)

Hayes hazes — Justin Hayes was in complete control of his pig. (Barry Byers)

Lacy Mott — Lacy Mott controls her lamb while looking, smiling and listening to the judge. (Barry Byers)

Ashlyn Jacinto — Ashlyn Jacinto exits the show ring with her lamb. (Barry Byers)

Ella and Lani — Lani helps Ella with her lamb during Junior Showmanship. Ella got her ribbon and was ready to do it again! (Barry Byers)

Cheyenne Frank — Frankly, I think Cheyenne (member of the Milford FFA) is a perfect name for a girl showing at the Expo. (Barry Byers)

Jill Varner — Jill Varner did an outstanding job in her first time to exhibit an animal at the Ellis County Youth Expo and earned a ribbon. (Barry Byers)

Blake Vega’s first year — Blake showed his pig and won fourth at the Ellis County Expo last week. (Anne Sutherland)

They are all winners — (L-R) Brandon Souder, Robert Sparks, Jon Walton, Ethan Saxon, Omar Estrada and Kaitlyn Rossa line up and smile. (Anne Sutherland)

Water girl — Jesica Wilkins brings water to her steer. (Anne Sutherland)

What do you think? — Bailey Eubank searches the crowd for Dad’s approving eye. Bailey won Reserve Grand Champion with her steer. (Anne Sutherland)

Look at those hams — Aaron Pittmon works the crowd at the sale. Aaron won 1st in Class and Reserve Grand Champion. (Anne Sutherland)

Kyle has a steer — Kyle Jackson shows the judge what his steer can do. (Anne Sutherland)

Beautiful — Kaitlyn Rossa received 2nd place for her British steer. (Anne Sutherland)

Grand Champion — Jaclynn Lewis showed two lambs winning 1st in Class with both. Jaclynn also won Breed Champion and Overall Grand Champion. Above, Jaclynn receives a belt buckle while her father, Russ Lewis, thanks the judge. (Barry Byers)