After a small pep talk with her cow, she takes a deep breath and starts making her way around the show ring. She says a prayer in her head that the cow stays in control. The people watch every movement closely, looking for the slightest mistake. Then, it’s all over. Senior Bella Yoder releases the breath she didn’t even know she was holding and walks back to wait for results.
Yoder is involved in varsity cheerleading, FFA cattle showing, prepared public speaking, FFA officer, NHS, and the Texas Junior Angus Association. She is a volunteer with Grace Community Church K-Kids, and a leader in the Catalyst program at church. She plans to attend Texas Tech University in the fall where she plans to earn a B.S. in Animal Science and an M.S. in Agricultural Communications.
“Bella is a very determined and highly motivated individual who is wise beyond her years, and I know that her future holds great things,” agriculture science teacher Casey Jones said. “She is a great communicator and people gravitate to her because of her personality. These traits will serve her well in her chosen field of study.”
Due to dual credit classes she took this year, she will be just short of completing her first year of college courses. Therefore, she now can enter Texas Tech with numerous credits under her belt, which leads her closer to accomplishing educational goals.
“The student to staff ratio, award-winning CASNR program, West Texas skies and family-like atmosphere are only a few reasons as to why I knew Texas Tech University was the choice for me,” Yoder said. “Once I finally decided on the university of my dreams, I began counting down the days for graduation and preparing for the next chapter in my life.”
A goal of Yoder’s is to own a show cattle operation and embryo transfer business while working as a cattle marketer to promote other bovine operations and ranches. By owning her own cattle company, she has the ability to sponsor showmen who may not be able to afford the requirements for showing.
“Bella loves to lead from behind, meaning that she exhibits leadership by including the kids who may be at the back of the line or up against the wall away from everyone,” senior Katherine Havens said. “She sees everyone, and not just the people that are already at the top.”
Owning her own cattle company also gives her the chance in order to give back to an industry that she believes has given her so much. This summer, she is running for Texas FFA State Officer.
“Bella hates attention, but she deserves it all,” senior Carlee Pascual said. “She has had a huge impact on the person I am today by the way she loves others.”
