BY KRIS BLANKMAN
Photo by Sher Elliott
Jamie Elliott
Jamie Elliott says that the day her teacher asked her if she wanted to show a sheep was one of her most life-changing experiences. Jamie’s 4th-grade teacher, Kari Breeding, made the offer, and thanks to the Breeding family and hard work, she has won multiple showmanship and market classes with her sheep and ended her 4H career with the Grand Champion lamb at the 2021 Weber County Fair. Jamie also found success showing pigs, thanks to the Holden Steed family and 4H group. Jamie graduated from Fremont High School this past spring, where she was a member of the FFA and played soccer. She is currently a student at Weber State, pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. I’m sure this infectiously positive and happy young lady will be one of those life-changing teachers. She plans to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in March. Giving credit to 4H and an amazing community for enriching her life is something Jamie shares, but she also has changed lives! When asked what her most meaningful experience in 4H was, she said it was setting a goal to win the 4H buckle in memory of Lindsy Westergard. Lindsy, a fellow 4H youth, lost her life in a tragic accident. Jamie put in many hours and lots of work that year and accomplished that goal; she presented that buckle to Lindsy’s family. I have no doubt this inspiring young woman will accomplish all she sets out to do!
Photo by Konner Thomas
Masen Thomas
Responsibility and caring are just a couple of the life lessons Masen Thomas has learned from 4H. A member of the Holden Steed Winners Circle 4H group, Masen, along with his two younger brothers, shows goats. This polite and articulate young man is a junior at Fremont High School and resides in Farr West. He enjoys auto class and math and loves to hunt and fish. He harvested a buck this year on an archery tag. Masen works for his dad at Cutting Edge CNC and hopes to one day take over this business. When asked what he likes best about 4H, Masen declared how much he appreciates learning responsibility. He also enjoys all the clinics that 4H offers, whether it be different livestock or helping younger members learn about showing goats. He enjoys helping set up before the Weber Fair and getting to be involved in all aspects of 4H life. Masen has been successful in 4H with Showmanship and Reserve Grand Champion titles under his belt in the last few years. He enjoys the animals and says that he, “connects with animals more than people.” After high school, he would like to remain in the family business and have some land and a small farm. It is not lost on this bright young man that homes are replacing many of the agricultural fields. They say a country boy can survive, and there is no doubt this amazing young man will not only survive but will successfully thrive!