CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The 2024 Nueces County Junior Livestock Show scholarship recipients were recognized Tuesday night during the scholarship banquet at the R&B Fairgrounds in Robstown. Students were tasked with putting their interview skills to the test in front of a panel of judges.
First Edition was recently joined by two of those recipients- Bailey Nobels and Hunter Fox-- who said that they have been a part of NCJLS for nearly ten years, since they were in the third grade.
"We've had some great mentors, advisors for FFA and 4H leaders along the way," said Nobels who was the second runner up in the Miss Congeniality competition for this year's Queens Contest.
The Banquete ISD senior said she felt like a role model this year and found that several of the younger kids competing at NCJLS looked up to her.
"I definitely think it's important for our youth to be involved, because every day, a part of the Nueces County Junior Livestock Show and being part of FFA and 4H, a lesson is learned."
"I don't go a day where I'm not learning something from somebody above me."
Hunter Fox said he agrees with his Banquete classmate about the value of the respect and leadership that younger kids can learn through NCJLS and other student-agriculture programs like 4H and FFA.
"I think a lot of what you learn inside NCJLS is how to work with people," said Fox. "It's teamwork, as well as, how to fill into the slots you are within a team."
Nobels was awarded the titles of 'Top Interview,' Top NCJLS Points,' 'Highest Grades,' and 'Overall High Score,' for the livestock show's scholarship. She told 3NEWS that she was grateful for the scholarship and that the award means an easier pathway to pursue her education at Howard Payne University, where she will be a Yellowjacket cheerleader. Bailey plans to study biology and go on to medical school before becoming a dermatologist.
Fox also placed top third overall in scoring for the scholarship. He said he will be going to Texas A&M-Kingsville to study Agronomy.