Parker County Today June 2015 | Page 96

our youth: AG KIDS The Bouchard Sisters: The Show Must Go On! BY CHRISTINA LOVELESS JUNE 2015 PA R K E R C O U N T Y T O D AY T he three Bouchard sisters are a close-knit trio that share a love for showing cattle in general, Beefmasters, in particular. But for all of their common interests, each girl is a distinct individual, with her own style and personality. The eldest sister, Rebecca (her surname is actually Herrerea), is a sophomore at Oklahoma State University. She’s definitely the leader and is more serious than her younger siblings. Rebecca has set her sights on becoming a veterinarian. The middle sister, Jolene is a sophomore at Azle High School. She’s pretty, personable, witty and funny but she’s also fascinated with medical science and forensics. Jolene has set her sights on pursuing a career in medicine. She never misses an episode of Grey’s Anatomy. Recently, Jolene assisted with the birth of a calf of her younger sister’s Beefmaster show heifer. The breed is near and dear to the hearts of all three of the Bouchard sisters. Then there’s Gracie — the youngest of the Bouchard clan, she’s an eighthgrader at Azle Junior High School. Gracie is quiet and introverted, yet, highly-focused and determined. She’s trying to decide if she wants to pursue a future as a large animal vet, an FBI agent or an engineer. She still has a little time to make up her mind. “They don’t just show heifers, they work the ranch, they work the cattle, in fact, Jolene helped Gracie’s heifer birth a calf, and they pulled it out,” said Michelle Bouchard, the matriarch of the family. “They do everything from give shots to working the ranch to grooming their heifers.” That all three of the Bouchard sisters show Beefmaster heifers is no accident. The family tradition began four years ago, launched with the 94 RIGHT – Jolene BELOW L– Rebecca BELOW R – Gracie Courtesy photos