3rd Annual Hope Livestock Show’s Champion Drive held Feb. 15

  • Front row, left to right, Zosha, Emilie, Rylee, Sylvia, Noah, Christopher, Chloe and Jaxyn; back row, left to right, Emery, Lila, Nathan, Bryleigh, Aaron, Ilyanna, Tuker, Emma and Dayson.
    Front row, left to right, Zosha, Emilie, Rylee, Sylvia, Noah, Christopher, Chloe and Jaxyn; back row, left to right, Emery, Lila, Nathan, Bryleigh, Aaron, Ilyanna, Tuker, Emma and Dayson.

    Hope Livestock Show’s Champion Drive had their 3rd successful year on Saturday, February 15, with 18 exhibitors and buddies participating.  
    The purpose of the Champion Drive is to provide special needs youth in the surrounding communities the opportunity to participate first-hand, in a livestock show experience without having to raise an animal. 
    Hope’s Champion Drive is the only show in the area of its kind.
    This year, the special needs exhibitors confidently participated in a traditional multi-species show using pigs, goats, and rabbits. 
    These exhibitors chose what animal they wanted to show and were paired with a 4-H buddy based on the physical and emotional needs of the exhibitor. 
    While each exhibitor was introduced by Nathan, the buddies helped the exhibitors show ‘their’ animal while the judge, Tim Boswell, asked them questions about their animal.  Everyone showed their animals like a pro.
    “I am so thankful that Hope Livestock Show has continued to welcome and promote this show. I personally know that special relationships have been formed and the kids look forward to and enjoy participating every year!”, said Nathan Henke.
    Through generous donations received by local individuals and businesses, both exhibitors and buddies received a shirt and monogrammed backpack. Each exhibitor in the show received a belt buckle, a monetary scholarship, and a delicious hamburger meal for themself and their family.  
    All of this was made possible by our wonderful sponsors: Grafe Chevrolet GMC, Crossroads Bank-Yoakum, TDECU, KJT St. Martin #43-Wied, Sacred Heart Federal Credit Union, Crossroads Financial Services LLC, Lazy Bar W - P.G. & Brenda Walls, E-Barr Feeds, People’s State Bank, Lavaca Farm Equipment, Turtle Wing Foundation, Janak’s Country Market, McAda Veterinary Clinic, Lavaca County Office Supply/South Texas School Furniture, Hoffer’s Drive-In Grocery, Hallettsville Hardware, Lavaca County Farm Bureau, Flamingo Fro-Yo & Diner, Sweet Chic Boutique, TSC - Hallettsville.
    All the exhibitors, their family, and sponsors are invited to the buyer’s appreciation dinner on Saturday, March 22 at 5 p.m. Watch for your invitation/RSVP! 
    If you would like to be a sponsor or have your child participate in the Champion Drive next year, check with your child’s school and watch the newspaper after school starts or call the extension office for Champion Drive contact information at 361-798-2221.