These volunteers have been participating , competing , or judging livestock shows almost their entire lives with many following in their parents footsteps and now their children and grandchildren continue to do so .
Ken McGee , who has been HCLS President twice , also had a father and sister who competed in the show . Not only did Ken have a Grand Champion Steer , but so did his son and his daughter was named HCLS Queen one year .
Chuck McHam , a retired agriculture teacher and previous HCLS President and his daughter have also been champions in their respective show divisions .
Jerry Rogers and every member of his family have participated in the HCLS in some way and all have received awards as either HCLS participants and / or officers .
Charla Farrell grew up showing steer and her sons and grandchildren all show now at the HCLS and several have won awards .
Judy Pool and her husband showed as children and she wanted her children to have the same experience that she did as a child . Her love for the students and their families is what makes her want to return each year .
The love that all the volunteers have for the programs and ideals that are instilled in the students are profound and seen in all that is done for the kids .
Gayla Roberts and Jerry Rogers recognized years ago that not all students had the ability to compete in the big exhibits like cattle and horses , so they created a plan for what became the Youth Project Show where students could show projects of various sizes with copious talents .
The first year there were barely enough entries to count on a few hands and since that time , the project show has grown to hundreds of exhibits . The 2022 Youth Project Show garnered $ 62,250 for the exhibitioners and had over 185 projects . Royce Bane , a licensed auctioneer volunteers his time and speaker system and conducts the Youth Project Auction free of charge . The Premium Auctioneer , Kenneth Odem , is another that volunteers his time year after year .
Tobie Herrington , Roxie Holley , Alisha Mikkelsen , Beth Rogers , Mike Herrington , Gayle Finch , and Brad Rogers are just a few of the many other volunteers who have devoted an incredible amount of time to the program over the years .
There is no hesitation and a hearty “ YES ” is yelled out when any volunteer is asked if they will be returning next year as the love for the program , the children , and their families runs thick in the blood of the HCLS . Year after year , generations continue to come back to compete , volunteer , and give back to the livestock show community .
There is a feeling of pride and humility within this family like no other and all involved definitely feel gratitude to Henderson County for their support of the students who , by making investments in them , are making an investment in the future of the community as well .
Coutresy Photo Jerry and Beth Rogers making sure participants are kept fed .
Courtesy Photo Chuck McHam , a retired Ag teacher , and his family enjoy continued participation in the Livestock Show .
Courtesy Photo Longtime volunteer Judy Poole says her love for the students and their families is what makes her want to return each year .
Courtesy Photo Roxie Holley and sister , Charla Ferrell grew up showing at the Livestock Show and are familiar volunteers .
Greater Athens Magazine | May 2022 | 7