Tyler Beard chosen as Top Hand
By Lynsi Musselman
Tyler Beard was named this week as Top Hand for 2020, and he and David Hardin were announced as winners of the first annual Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Association Memorial Scholarships.
“Without a banquet this year, we notified the winners by phone,” said association president Bronco Askew. “Both Tyler and David are exceptional individuals and consistent with their intentions.”
Funds Needed
Askew also said that the SCYLA is still short on funds to cut checks for stock show exhibitors.
“We are getting closer, but there are a few more pledges outstanding,” Askew said. “We are shooting for a date of May 1.”
Askew added that when the checks are ready, he and Albany ag teacher Chris Beard will pass them out in a drive-by scenario.
“Checks will only be received if all bills are paid and the kids have done what is required by the ag department,” Askew said.
Top Hand
Tyler Beard was presented the Top Hand belt buckle award, sponsored by the Askew family.
The award is presented to the individual who displays enthusiasm, dedication, and good attitude in all circumstances of stock show participation.
“Tyler is the kid that is always there to help, and does it without anyone asking,” Askew said. “He also won the Top Hand award when he was younger.”
Scholarship Winners
This year, scholarship funds are being provided by the association, and the award title is now the Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Association Memorial Scholarship rather than the Watt Matthews Memorial Scholarship.
The awards are given to deserving high school seniors who plan to attend college, business school, or trade school after graduation, with selection based on leadership, character, scholastics, service to the community, achievement, and cooperation.
This year, the two recipients were each provided a $500 scholarship.
Tyler Beard
Tyler Beard is current Future Farmers of America president, student council secretary, senior class president, football captain, and Feed Store student representative.
He has exhibited a large range of projects that include rabbits, chickens, sheep, goats, and pigs since third grade. He has shown at local and most major stock shows.
Beard also has been involved in 4-H rifle, archery, and the pecan show, and he has served as 4-H officer, helped with pig sales and cleanups, and attended FFA summer conventions.
Beard represented the FFA on the quiz team and plant identification team.
Beard also competed at the state level with the Cotton Team, Wildlife, and in Environmental and Natural Resource Science.
He was named FFA Beau and has received the Top Hand award twice.
Beard is an honor graduate and made All A Honor Roll.
He is also a standout in football. Beard was on the All District Team, was All District Academic Team Captain, All State Academic Team, Big Country Prep 1st Team Offense and True Grit Recipient, 2A Big Country 1st Team, and Big Country Super Team, and earned a spot on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes All Star Football Team.
Last fall, he was crowned 2019 homecoming king.
In addition, Beard was active with FCA, track, baseball, Fort Griffin Fandangle, set up the Halloween carnival, community Christmas trees, Albany Chest sign maintenance, and helped with Drug Free Week activities.
Beard plans to attend Tarleton State University and major in Agri-Business. He hopes to become a licensed commercial real estate and insurance agent.
David Hardin
Hardin has been showing livestock since 2012, winning several awards.
He participated on the 4-H archery team for one year and earned his Greenhand degree in FFA.
Hardin has maintained A’s and B’s during his academic career, while being active in FFA.
He went to Del Rio on a mission trip with First Baptist Church, and hopes to go again.
Hardin plans to attend Texas State Technical College to become certified in Aircraft Mechanics.
