The National Western Stock Show is excited to offer four undergraduate college students the opportunity to serve as the 2018 National Western Livestock Show Media Scholars. During their National Western experience, they will host a range of responsibilities from writing human interest stories and contributing to the NWSS Livestock blog to managing the NWSS Livestock Exhibitors social media platforms and shooting in the ring/ around the grounds candid photos.
The 2018 National Western Livestock Show Media Scholars applicant pool included nearly 60 talented students from 18 different colleges/ universities across the U.S. The 2018 National Western Livestock Show Media Scholars include:
Abbie: Burnett: I am a senior at Texas Tech University double majoring in agricultural communications and electronic media and communications. I am also double minoring in business and environment and the humanities. I grew up in the Lubbock, Texas area in a small agricultural town called Cotton Center. My dad and uncle farm cotton, corn, wheat, and milo. They also own a small herd of Limousin cattle of which I showed for nine years. After graduation in December 2018, I hope to attend a master’s program in photojournalism in pursuit of becoming an editorial or National Geographic photographer highlighting sustainable agriculture and the environment.
Michelle Helm: I was raised in Geary, Oklahoma, a small town located in northwest Oklahoma. I was raised on a cattle and wheat farm where my family raises purebred Simmental, Angus, and Red Angus genetics as well as maintains a commercial cow/calf herd. It was here I developed my passion for agriculture and the beef industry. From a young age I have been involved in the junior livestock industry, exhibiting cattle on a state and national level. I always feel proud to tell people my background, as I am a product of the junior livestock industry and the impact it can have in a young person’s life.
My passion for the livestock industry has lead me to serve on the American Junior Simmental Association board of trustees where I am currently serving as the vice president of membership communications. I have also had the opportunity to intern for Legacy Livestock Imaging and develop my passion for photography.
I am currently a senior at Oklahoma State University completing a dual major in Animal Science with an option in livestock merchandizing as well as agricultural communications. While at OSU I have had the opportunity to be a member of the 2016 National Champion Meat Judging Team as well as the 2017 Reserve Champion Live Animal Evaluation Team. I have also been active with the Animal Science Leadership Alliance, CASNR Freshman in Transition, and CASNR Student Council. Upon graduation in May I plan to start a career in public relations for an agricultural related company or association.
| Tatum Holdener: Is an agricultural communications senior at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She is originally from Tracy, California, where she grew up as the daughter of a third generation row crop farmer. Her drive for success and promoting the agriculture industry started at a young age at that very farm. She is an active member in Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow Club and is the current Media Chair for the Western Bonanza Junior Livestock Show. Prior to graduation in June 2018, she plans to seek a career in marketing or public relations within the agricultural industry. |
Olivia Loges: Growing up on a small, family farm in Sweet Springs, Missouri, I have always been involved in the agriculture industry, primarily through showing pigs and cattle in 4-H and FFA. Showing alongside my sister, my family and I have traveled to local, state and national shows. Being involved with showing livestock has sparked my passion for this industry and has led me to pursue a career in agriculture. I am a junior agricultural communications major with a minor in agriculture business at Missouri State University and plan to graduate in May of 2019. This past October, I was granted one of the media internships for the American Royal and I’m excited to use my skills gained in Kansas City at the National Western Stock Show in the Mile High City. I am involved with our professional, agricultural sorority, Sigma Alpha where I held the position of vice president, as well as Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, and Block and Bridle. Upon Graduation, I hope to pursue a master’s degree in agricultural communications with an emphasis in agricultural advocacy and law.
