Sherman FFA hosted the Halloween Spooktacular, their annual project show and fundraiser, at the Texoma Exposition and Livestock Show grounds this past weekend, earning ribbons and gaining some career experience at the same time.
““They’re learning teamwork, problem solving, and other soft skills that are emphasized in CTE [Career and Technical Education],”said Kristi Sroka, Sherman High School animal science teacher and FFA sponsor. “Those skills, like conflict resolution and communication, will help them be better in the career they choose.”
Students volunteer in every aspect of the show, from organizing the grounds beforehand to managing entrants in the judging rings. For SHS senior and FFA president Shawnee Shepherd, a show like this provides ample opportunities.
“I really enjoy this,” Shepherd said. “Working with animals and testing my people skills is great, and helping other younger students is amazing. If you want to be an ag teacher, this would be good to see how to teach future students.”
The Spooktacular is also the first show of the year for some students, like sophomore Jolee Lewis, who showed her dairy goat.
“I didn’t win the Showmanship competition, but it is my first show this year,” she said. “Showmanship is really difficult and takes a lot of time and practice. If you get frustrated, your animal gets frustrated.”
With about 500 projects, this year’s Spooktacular is far larger than its first show three years ago, which had only rabbit projects. It has now expanded to include goats, lambs and poultry.
“We have exhibitors here from the Metroplex, East Texas and Oklahoma,” Sroka said. “People have come from all over for this show. It’s an excellent turnout.”
Collaboration from multiple CTE courses put the finishing touches on the show. A construction student created wooden award plaques, and banners were printed by the graphic design program.
“Our kids enjoyed learning to work with other programs,” Sroka said. “This show was a cool and great opportunity for FFA.”
Results from the show are:
(If you need space, you may cut everything but the highlighted awards)
Ariana Hilton
Best of Breed Silver, Best of Variety, Best Opposite Sex of Variety – Fawn Silver Rabbit
Best of Variety, Best Opposite of Breed – Black Silver Rabbit
Zoe Gray
Best of Breed – Harlequin Rabbit
Ben Wade
Best of Breed – American Sable Rabbit
Best of Variety – Britannia Petite Rabbit
Emily Williams
Best of Breed, Best Opposite of Breed & Reserve in Show – Britannia Petite Rabbit
Shawnee Shepherd
Reserve Champion Junior Doe
Senior Dairy Goat Showmanship Champion
Emmalie Bryan, Camden Bryan, Averiee Bryan – Rabbits
Best of Breed – Britannia Petite Rabbit
Best of Breed – Silver Fox Rabbit
Best Opposite Sex of Breed – Lionhead Rabbit
Best Opposite Sex of Breed – Californian Rabbit
Flemish Giant – Best of Breed
Averiee Bryan – Junior FFA
Reserve Champion Intermediate Dairy Goat Showman
Reserve Breed – Welsh Harlequin Duck
Emmalie Bryan
Reserve Champion Senior Rabbit Showmanship
Breed and Reserve Breed Champion – Campine Chickens
Caden Bair
Best Opposite of Variety – Dutch Rabbit
Luke Wilcox
Best of Beed and Best of Variety – Mini Lop Rabbits
Dairy Goat- Reserve Breed Champion Nigerian Dwarf.
Senior Halloween Costume Contest Winner
Alice Williams: Junior FFA
Best of Variety – Netherland Dwarf
Blake Smith
Best of Breed – English Spot
Best Opposite of Variety – Mini Rex
Devontay Wilson
Breed and Reserve Breed Champion – Ameraucana Chickens
Savanna Green
Breed & Reserve Breed Champion – Silkie Chickens
Intermediate Dairy Goat Showmanship Champion
Angelica Escalera
Best of Breed – New Hampshire Chicken
Best of Breed – Dominique Chicken
Reserve Breed – Old English Game Bird
Cutlines:
FFA Show-1
SHS senior Shawnee Shepherd leads her dairy goat while maintaining eye contact with the judge during the Showmanship competition.
Courtesy/SISD, Todd Kleiboer
FFA Show-2
SHS sophomore Jolee Lewis answers the judge’s questions about her dairy goat during Showmanship.
Courtesy/SISD, Todd Kleiboer
