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Ag students earn awards

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By Sandy Morris

Blanton Belcher was named as the 2021 Top Hand at the Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Association Buyer-Seller Reception hels Saturday, April 10 at the Feed Store.

Belcher and Addie Beth Denton were announced as the winners of the annual SCYLA Scholarships in the amount of $500 each. 

“We had a pretty good turnout Saturday night,” said SCYLA president Bronco Askew. “Last year threw us a little off track due to COVID, so we weren’t really sure if we would get to have an event, and if we did, what it would look like.”

This year, the banquet was set up as more of a reception with no formal meal being served and no featured speaker.

“We decided to put safety first and keep it simple and offer refreshments,” Askew said. “It’s almost like starting over and learning to crawl before we can walk again.”

Prior to Saturday’s event, SCYLA treasurer Molly Cauble said there was still an outstanding balance of almost $14,000.

Askew said by Friday afternoon, they had received about $3,000 which helped to cover all the costs associated with the evening.

Despite the additional monies that were received last week, Cauble said there is still $10,000 outstanding in pledges, and she urged donors to submit their payments as soon as possible. 

Top Hand

Belcher was presented the Top Hand belt buckle award, which is given to the individual who displays enthusiasm, dedication, and good attitude in all circumstances of stock show participation.

“Blanton is always willing to lend a hand to help someone,” said FFA sponsor and AHS ag teacher Chris Beard. “She is dedicated to whatever task she is given. Blanton is a hard worker and takes great pride in her work.”

He added that he feels  Belcher is a person of outstanding moral character.

 “Blanton is the kind of student who will adapt to any situation and is not afraid to jump in and help out,” said Beard. 

Askew reminded Top Hand hopefuls of something to keep in mind while participating in their various activities.

“There are people watching you all year long, not just at the county show,” he said. 

Scholarship Winners

Provided by a fund set up at First National Bank, the SCYLA scholarships are given to deserving high school seniors who plan to attend college, business school, or trade school after graduation.

The awards are based on leadership, character, scholastics, service to the community, achievement and cooperation.

Addie Beth Denton

Addie Beth Denton is treasurer of the Albany FFA chapter and has previously served as reporter and treasurer in both 4-H and FFA.

Denton competed on FFA CDE horse judging and livestock judging teams and has been a district and state 4-H horseshoe competitor.

Beard said Denton is a hard worker in every activity she participates in.

“She juggles classes, athletics, and FFA and maintains good grades,” Beard said. “She strives to give 100 percent in all that she does and will not settle for mediocrity.”

Denton has exhibited swine and goats from fourth to 12th grade at county and major shows, most recently winning first place heavy weight Berkshire and reserve breed champion Berkshire at the 2021 SCYLA show.

Denton has competed in the county and district 4-H food shows. 

Her biggest involvement has been participating in rodeos all over the state of Texas each weekend. Denton has been in the 2019 and 2020 San Antonio FFA Rodeo Top Six in Goat Tying, winning third place in 2019. 

She is a four-time state qualifier for the Texas High School Rodeo, was the 2020 Breakaway Roping Champion in Region III, a 2021 THSRA Region III Finals Goat typing champion, and was named a 2021-2022 Junior American Qualifier in Goat Tying. 

Denton is a member of the National Honor Society and an honor student.

She was named to the 2018 and 2019 All-District Volleyball team, was named first team All-District, Volleyball in 2020 and was on the 2020-2021 third place team in the state volleyball tournament.

Denton is a member of First Baptist Church in Albany and has participated in youth camp at the Feed Store. She has also been a volunteer reader and leader for the summer children’s program at the Shackelford County Library. 

Denton has signed with the Cisco College Rodeo team to earn her Associates of Applied Science degree before pursuing a degree in Radiology and Ultrasound Technology to become an Ultrasound DiagnosticRadiologic Technologist. 

Denton is the daughter of Myron and Dena Denton of Albany.

Blanton Belcher

Blanton Belcher is secretary of the FFA and secretary of the National Honor Society. During high school, she has been on student council and served as a class officer all four years. Belcher was also elected as this year’s FFA Sweetheart.

Over the course of her 10-year show career, she has exhibited pigs and chickens. Belcher has won Grand Champion poultry, placed at San Angelo with a pig, was awarded the Poultry Senior Showmanship three times and earned Poultry Reserve Champion.

Belcher has represented Albany FFA at CDE contests in Plant ID, Wildlife, Cotton and Range Management. She earned a trip to state in Plant ID her freshman and sophomore years. 

This Top Hand winner has also been involved in volleyball, softball, and track. 

Out of school, Belcher volunteers with Vittles by Vehicle and with the day care when she is needed.

After graduation, she plans to attend Tarleton State University where she will major in Agricultural Communications and minor in Agribusiness.

Belcher is the daughter of Tom and Leslie Belcher. 

Beard said both young ladies have been a huge asset to the AHS FFA and ag programs.

“Both Blanton and Addie Beth will be great assets for their colleges and the people they come in contact with as they move forward in their next step of life,” said Beard. “They are excellent role models for the younger students to look up to and follow.”