The National Western Stock Show is excited to offer six undergraduate college students the opportunity to serve as 2019 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 2019 National Western Livestock Show Media Scholars applicant pool included more than 50 talented students from 16 different colleges/ universities across the U.S. The 2019 National Western Livestock Show Media Scholars include:
Hannah Frobose – Kansas State University
I was raised on a diversified livestock and crop operation in northwestern, Ohio, where my family raises Sim-Angus cattle and runs a commercial cattle feedlot. My siblings and I grew up showing hogs and cattle while competing on livestock judging teams in 4-H and FFA. My drive for livestock judging led me to El Dorado, Kansas, where I competed on a four-time national champion team at Butler community college. From there, I transferred to Kansas State University where I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a minor in mass communications and journalism. At K-State, I’ve competed on several livestock competition teams, ultimately improving my knowledge of both the production and retail sectors of the industry. Furthermore, I’ve identified a particular interest in communications and marketing through my position as a writer for the K-State College of Agriculture’s magazine, Agriculturalist. Outside of campus, my industry involvement includes serving as the president of the National Junior Swine Association Junior Board of Directors. In this role, I have helped develop the mission of educating our members about commercial pork production with ultimate goals of retaining intelligent young swine enthusiasts within the commercial swine industry. Long term, I believe my skill set and passion for telling the story of agriculture will allow me to be an effective communicator for an industry which I care so deeply about.
Mikalyn White – Oklahoma State University
Originally from Washburn, Illinois, Mikayln White grew up in the show pig ring, but has since expand her love and passion for the livestock industry to include cattle, sheep and goats. After attending Illinois Central College, Mikayln transferred to Oklahoma State University (OSU) to purse a Bachelors degree. Currently, Mikayln is a senior at OSU where she studies agricultural communications and animal science with plans to graduate in May 2019. Mikayln stays busy at OSU as a member of the 2018 livestock judging team and Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow club. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in the agriculture or livestock industry that involves marketing, media management and creative design.
Mary Frost – Oklahoma State University
My name is Mary Frost, I’m an agricultural communications student at Oklahoma State University and am set to graduate in May of 2019. I’m originally from Denair, California, where I grew up on my family’s small commercial beef cow-calf operation. In the past I’ve interned with E & J Gallo Winery, the California State Fair and the Arizona National Livestock Show. I love to travel, laugh and engage with people – and try to do so as often as possible. I enjoy shooting photos and writing to share people’s and the agricultural industry’s stories.
Whitney Whitaker – Kansas State University
Originally from the Central Coast of California, it was my desire to learn more about the livestock industry that led me to El Dorado, Kansas to be a member of the livestock judging team at Butler Community College. Currently, I am a senior at Kansas State University majoring in animal science with a minor in business. My family didn’t farm or raise livestock, so it was 4H, FFA and the National Junior Swine Association that developed my passion for agriculture. After graduation in May 2019, I am pursuing a master’s degree in agriculture communications with plans on seeking a career in marketing or communications.
Rachel Booth – Oklahoma State University
From Miami, Oklahoma, where she grew up on a small family cow-calf operation. As a daughter of a purebred livestock auctioneer, she went to many auctions with her dad where she found her love for the cattle industry. Growing up Rachel enjoyed exhibiting cattle and sheep across the nation. Although her time in the show ring has come to an end she still has the same enthusiasm for junior livestock shows and is looking forward to staying connected for years to come.
Rachel is currently a senior at Oklahoma State University, where she is studying animal science and
agricultural communications. At OSU, she is a member of the 2018 National Champion Livestock Judging Team as well as involved in OSU’s Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow. After graduation in May 2019, she plans to pursue a career within the agriculture industry.
Erin Metzler – Texas Tech University
She comes from Lindsay, Texas, a small town north of the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Growing up around her family’s cow/calf operation, she has developed a passion for the cattle and agriculture industries. Erin is a senior Agricultural Communications major at Texas Tech University. She will be graduating in August of 2019 and will begin a marketing or public relations career in the agriculture industry. Throughout high school, Erin was active in her local FFA chapter, serving on various teams and in multiple leadership roles. In addition, she exhibited Red Angus heifers. During her time at Texas Tech, Erin has stayed busy with her classes and jobs. She is a Production Assistant for CEV Multimedia, a career and technical education curriculum producer, and the Office Manager for the Charolais Association of Texas. She has previously interned for BioZyme/Surechamp, the State Fair of Texas, and the American Royal Association. Her internship and work experience has given her the opportunity to gain skills in social media, photography, writing and video production. Erin is looking forward to traveling to Denver and covering the National Western Stock Show as a Livestock Show Media Scholar.
